The Lake Theatre

Abstract

At the beginnings of this thesis, the importance was solely focused on the design of an independent multipurpose theater and the transitions between the public area and backstage. As the year and project progressed, it changed to become a realization and study of architectural experiences within a space.

After choosing a site within the Snoqualmie National Forest in Seattle overlooking Lake Serene, decisions were made to design a theater that would not hinder the natural landscape but immerse the audience in it. Years of backpacking, camping, and hiking, I have personal experiences and memories of walking through the shafts of light shining through the canopies of the trees or feeling the dampness that sticks to clothes as you roam through the fog rolling off the mountains. The orientation and exterior choices were made as to not take away from an audience member's experience of the natural surroundings of the area.

Blending the building within the mountain hides it from view as to not over take the landscape behind it, the bridge connects the two mountains to each other and the building itself creates an axis towards the lake. The movement through the lobby was designed as a natural progression towards the view as a canopy of timber surrounds the audience, mimicking the trees outside.

How we perceive architecture is how we experience it. Creating a space that would not only flow with its natural environment but also have movement inside to assist each individual, whether it is a visitor, stagehand, technician, or performer was my end goal. Focusing my efforts on the visitor, I was able to learn the importance of moments and the simplicity of details. Taking ultimately what Juahani Pallasmaa is quoted saying that "the architectural experience calls for the senses of balance, movement, orientation, continuity, time, self, and existence."