he Muriel Kauffman Theatre is one of two performance spaces at the majestic Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Demanding five
years for construction and $415 million total funding, the “1,800-seat venue is designed to be visually striking, yet retain an intimate experience for both audiences and performers. Inspired by the great opera houses of Europe, audiences are seated in a vineyard-style, semicircle configuration facing the stage—bringing them closer to the performers than in traditional auditorium-style proscenium venues.” In terms of product customization, few projects compare to the Kauffman Theatre wood panels. With more than 20,000 custom cuts, nearly each piece requires
unique dimensions. Not only is every curve tailored to the adjacent wall, but also the slightly arching panels direct any reflected sound back to the theater’s center in confluence with existing acoustics. A key component to the project’s complexity was the client’s request for “hidden” backers. ACGI solved this issue utilizing an innovative suspension and mounting system to minimize the backers’ visibility without compromising structural integrity. The painted solid poplar panels attach via custom clips designed to accomodate various mounting angles once installed. The Kauffman Theatre wood panels highlight ACGI’s knack of devising creative solutions from challenging project requirements. Source: kauffmancenter.org
Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation
Safdie Architects
2011
LOCATION
ARCHITECT
CLIENT
COMPLETED
Custom Panels & Suspension ACGI PRODUCTS
Performing Arts
CATEGORY
KAUFFMAN THEATRE
ACGI’s custom clips guarantee precise panel locations at specific angles Front: Solid poplar custom wall panels of the Muriel Kauffman Theatre
Custom panels with unique suspension to minimize backer visibility Top: Curved panel wall with upper panels angled back to theater’s center