DR. PHILLIP’S CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Orlando, FL

This arts center was designed by LA architect Barton Myers, an American-Canadian (like Frank Gehry), known for Urban Consolidation (in-fill projects) and for giving priority to the Urban Room (relating well to the surrounding context). One can question how this building accomplishes either, instead standing rather alone, in a design context unrelated to its surroundings. Nevertheless, it is a striking statement, with its iconic sprawling roof and glass dominated base. The building sits symmetrically on a two-block site across from Orlando City Hall, with a 27-bay roof reinforcing that symmetry. The base, however, breaks from the symmetrical bounds of the roof with an asymmetric base composed of glass, concrete and metal surfaces. I found myself trying to find a rationale for the asymmetry of the building, and searching for symmetric components in it - a search left unresolved.

The Center was built by Balfour Beaty Construction, who at the same time was building our 2,200 room Cabana Bay Hotel and Resort for Universal Studios in Orlando, and other subsequent hotels.