Buildings for the Performing Arts: A design and development guide [Paperback]

Ian Appleton (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0750612762 | ISBN-13: 978-0750612760 | Publication Date: March 19, 1996

Buildings for the Performing Arts covers a wide range of performing arts (classical music, pop/rock, jazz, musicals, dance, drama) and provides information on each as an art form and the necessities to house performances correctly.


Part one of this guide provides the background information about the organisation of the performing arts, the prevailing issues, the client and various building types. In the second part, the author deals with the components of design and development. Appleton identifies the roles of the client, advisors and consultants; the stages to be achieved, including client's proposal feasibility, the process of briefing, design and building; and eventually hand-over and opening night, with a consideration of the building in use. Case studies are included which cover the assessment of demand, site requirements, initial brief, building design and financial viability. Information requirements, such as design standards, for the auditorium and platform/stage, and the support facilities, are included.

A comprehensive view of the design and development of a wide range of buildings for the performing arts
Gives essential links between demand in the market for the proposed facility and supply (funds, building design, site and time scale)
Identifies the stages in the development and those involved in the decision-making

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This superb design and development guide must be essential reading for all design teams involved in the initiation, planning, design and building of facilities for the various performing arts. A detailed analysis of all design and development issues and the relationships with clients and consultants are explored adopting a very discerning approach. The specific studies that follow analyse in a masterly way the critical requirements of the auditorium and platform/stage, support facilities and their relationship, and examine the effects of site conditions, their time scale and financial appraisal.'
The ASI Journal

















































'This superb design and development guide must be essential reading for
all design teams involved in the initiation, planning, design and building of
facilities for the various performing arts.
A detailed analysis of all design and development issues and the
relationships with clients and consultants are explored adopting a very
discerning approach. The specific studies that follow analyse in a masterly
way the critical requirements of the auditorium and platform/stage, support
facilities and their relationship, and examine the effects of site conditions,
their time scale and financial appraisal.'
The ASI Journal, July 1996

About the Author

IAN APPLETON PhD, DARCH, DipCD, RIBA, FRIAS, RIAS is an architect and partner in the Edinburgh-based firm of the Appleton Partnership. He was architect for a variety of theatres and other building types. He has had experience of demand studies, feasibility and other aspects of the design and development of building for the performing arts, as well as the wider involvement in urban, building and interior designs. He is also involved in teaching, research and writing on architecture.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Architectural Press (March 19, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750612762
• ISBN-13: 978-0750612760
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,684,612 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars in a word, excellent, November 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Buildings for the Performing Arts: A design and development guide (Paperback)

Appleton's book is an altogether excellent "graphic standard" for the design of all aspects of a building devoted to the performing arts -- from auditoriums to lobbies and beyond. As an architectural thesis student designing a theater, the book became an invaluable resource to me.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, December 10, 2009

By 

Kyle "kbus" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Buildings for the Performing Arts, Second Edition: A Design and Development Guide (Paperback)

The book contains a numerous amount of information for programming a theater. While it is not an exhaustive list it is good for getting a project started! I have used it on the initial phases of my thesis. No complaints here!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid guide to designing performing arts facilities, August 4, 2010

By 

L. Schattman "Librarian, Design Institute of ... (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Buildings for the Performing Arts, Second Edition: A Design and Development Guide (Paperback)

This is a very good guide to designing performing arts facilities. The text is well organized, and bulleted lists, section headings and short chapters make the information easy to digest, despite the slightly dense writing style.

Part 1 describes different types of performances, clients and buildings. It includes approximately 30 pages showing real buildings as examples of the many different building types; each example is illustrated with photographs and plans. Part 2 describes the design process, focusing on the initial stages of working with the client(s) and developing a concept.

Part 3 examines specific aspects of the design, including the size and shape of the stage, acoustics, row spacing, sight lines, backstage areas, lobbies and box offices, and more. A special chapter addresses the adaption and renovation of existing buildings. Each detail is illustrated with clear diagrams.

Recommended for architecture and interior design collections.