the new silver corrugated box… that now graces us with it’s wonder and presence downtown has design addicts all over the world drooling. I admit, I am one of those people. I have watched this structure evolve from concept to solid fruition and I have been truly awestruck at the construction of this dynamic building. Tomorrow is the first of two architecture forums to be held for the Wyly Theatre. Superstar architect and Pritzker prize winning architect Rem Koolhaas, of OMA will be hosting a lecture today at the freshly completed theatre at October 15, 4:00 pm. And on Friday, architect and partner-in-charge Joshua Prince-Ramus of REX will host a second at October 17, 10:30. The theatre is designed to hold an intimate 600 guests, thus there will be two smaller forums. I strongly suggest you fake the swine flu (if necessary, this is VERY important people), get there early, grab a seat and throw elbows if you have to — truly one event in Dallas this year not to be missed.
More photos below of the astounding process and a few cool details to get your heart racing. See you there!
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VERY cool chairs - make note - they are mobile (oh, and a daring lime green!). The Wyly is designed so that the space can be altered for different sets. The bottom level of the Wyly is surrounded by floor to ceiling glass which can be opened entirely. I hope they talk more about the configurations. I love the idea that the space is flexible and sort of unpredictable from the viewers standpoint.
The ribboned side walls of the theatre are the big wonder. I could go on for days about the aluminum tubular architectural elements but I think the pictures do most of the talking. I have included these photos for scale. They were made in Argentina (I think!) and shipped here…how? I have no clue. How did they get up on the building? Very carefully. You can progress down to see the process.
I am dying to see this environmental signage in person. As a graphic designer it is impossible not to appreciate both the unconventional design and the client who went for it!
Rem Koolhaas
Joshua Prince-Ramus
Congratulations to Joshua and Rem! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! (and I speak for all style/SWOON’ing Dallasites when we say we welcome your encore anytime in Dallas) We are so proud of the Wyly Theatre and the AT&T Performing Arts Center. It’s tremendous.
That was awesome! So gorgeous it is. Thanks for sharing. ;D
April
Stories from a Teenage Mom
Mom on the Run
Chronicles of a Hermit
I can’t wait to see all of the buildings when we are back in Dallas! Seems like it has been forever in the making - and now to see it in person! Just can’t wait!
Annie
I would have love to attend these lectures, but when I tried to attend I was stopped dead in my tracks by their tight security. Apparently one needed tickets to go to these “free” forums. In no publication did it disclose this information. For those who got tickets, I’m extremely jealous.
I know Paul!!! I just found out when I went too! It should have been better publicized but clearly 600 other people got the memo. I was not one of them. Luckily we got in by waiting for a while and being on the wait list. There is a wait list for tomorrow for both Winspear and Wyly. I think you could get in if you just head down there and wait a bit. Rem was interesting but honestly I think I would like to see Joshua. You should try to head out there again!!
[...] and what a celebration it was… This fall one of our clients had all eyes on Dallas. The AT&T Performing Arts Center had a week long Grand Opening celebration with the dedication, architectural forums, parties, a gorgeous gala and finally a hugely successful public Spotlight Sunday where roughly 50,000 people descended on to the Arts District of Dallas. It was a perfect kickoff to these new Dallas landmarks. Read the posts on style/SWOON here and here. [...]