The story told by the arts in America is also Central Florida’s story - a tale of many people coming together, from diverse backgrounds and with divergent interests, to create a community that enriches the lives of all.
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The influences that inspired the forward-thinking design of the 330,000-square-foot Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in the heart of downtown Orlando came from the city itself, its surroundings and the energy of the people that live here.
Design architect, Barton Myers Associates, working with local architects HKS Inc. and Baker Barrios Architects, has designed a number of world-class performing arts centers, including New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts and Tempe Center for the Arts. Lead design architect Barton Myers himself has designed performing arts centers since 1973. The firm’s designs have received prestigious architectural accolades and are considered among the finest in the world.
The collective team intimately researched the city and the surrounding region. Touring facilities and landmarks they were inspired by the natural landscape, placing great emphasis on looking at historical elements and how other local buildings respond to the unique Florida environment.
Finding the right balance between designing a signature building that is equally open and welcoming was critical. “What we are designing here is a hybrid between object architecture, an iconic building and a contextual performing arts center, that welcomes everyone and reflects its surroundings,” said Barton Myers.
The community needs a performing arts center built with the interests of everyone at its heart. Feedback from a tapestry of residents, arts organizations and business leaders were very clear. While they are looking for a center that will offer diverse world-class performances, entertainment and enhanced arts education programs, they simultaneously want the Dr. Phillips Center to be welcoming and belong to them.
"We kept our future patrons, artists and visitors in mind throughout the entire design process," said President Kathy Ramsberger.
“We found that there’s a vibrancy that’s very youthful. In talking to and observing the people and measuring the pulse of the community, we found a yearning for urban lifestyle, diversity and communal activity,” said Ryan Ihly, Senior Associate at Barton Myers Associates.
The result is a performing arts center design that is an interpretation of the region’s architecture, its natural environment, and its people. The Dr. Phillips Center will be an influential and inspirational community gathering place for the next one hundred years.