International Architecture Awards Tell a friend
ARCHIVE 2024
International Architecture Awards
Architects: Centerbrook Architects and Planners
Lead Architect: Mark Simon
Associate Architects: Murray Associates Architects
General Contractor: Wohlsen Construction Company
Client: Lancaster Country Day School
Photographers: Peter Aaron/OTTO
The Lancaster Country Day School's new Gardner Theatre building wing was long sought as a whole-school venue to host performances and assemblies for the school and surrounding community. The Theatre is advanced, with 580 seats, an orchestra pit, state of the art lighting and acoustics, and fly space.
With a full-sized stage and professional theatre fittings, the $13 million facility hosts the school's musical and theatrical performances, graduation, and lectures. Its sophisticated and flexible acoustics are designed to support a full range of shows, from the spoken word to Lancaster's symphony orchestra.
Technical elements, like overhead catwalks that are railed and accessed from staircases, are designed to be safe so that students can participate in all elements of theatrical production, from lighting to scenery at a professional level. This hands-on experience is invaluable preparation for college theatre programs.
The theatre walls are finished in white oak panel bands that angle in and out of plane to amplify acoustics and hide indirect lighting. The exterior of the building follows the school's tradition of white walls with horizontal banding.
