About the Client/Project: Platt/Whitelaw was retained to modernize the Kroc campus—which houses San Diego Unified District’s Creative, Performing and Media Arts Middle School (CPMA)—and design a new Performing Arts Center.
Project Challenge: The area was directly under a flight path which could contribute to noise intrusion in the middle of a performance. The project was also required to meet CHPS standards, and the extended space needs of the school.
Architectural Solution: The new 21,500 sf PAC facility is designed to house music, dance and multi-media performances, rehearsals, and instruction within an acoustically-abated shell which will resist noise intrusion from neighboring MCAS Miramar. It has been designed to meet CHPS standards, and consists of the following facilities:
A theater which includes a stage sized to accommodate up to 195 performers, an orchestra shell (provided as an additive alternate), under-floor displacement ventilation, acoustical engineering for maximum clarity (also provided for band and practice rooms), and barrier-free access to seating area and stage. Theater seating holds 462.
Two band rooms for instruction and rehearsal, acoustically engineered for maximum clarity and to minimize sound transmission to other building areas, displacement ventilation, instrument and music storage, and interactive whiteboard.
Three sound-isolated practice rooms; two for individual practice, one for ensemble practice.
Scene shop classroom, with loading bay in a straight path to the stage, a dust collection system, clean-up sinks, eyewash station, and caged enclosure for secure storage of tools. HVAC for this work area is provided as an additive.
Ancillary theater support spaces, such as student/staff and audience restrooms, large exterior lobby/gathering space, ticket office, interior circulation, catwalks and box booms for stage lighting, dressing rooms, stage lighting control room, and theater control room with station for stage manager, sound manager and lighting manager.
Final Result: A beautiful modernization of the school and a new performing arts facility that serves both school needs and those of the community.
“I just wanted to mention how grateful I am for your talent and vision for this theater for all of us at CPMA. We are so blessed!” – Cathy Hickman, teacher at CPMA
Photos by Ralph LoVuolo Photography.
