Pasadena
Encore
The project aims to create a new music venue adjacent to the old Pasadena Playhouse, catering to a younger demographic and providing various music and leisure activities that integrate indoor and outdoor spaces.
Inspired by my recent music experiences in China and Germany over the past year or two, this project encapsulates the extraordinary essence of everyone in the audience coming together in a shared experience.
When I returned to Pasadena for my studies, I noticed that the city only had an old playhouse. The building seemed a bit neglected, and the audience was mostly middle-aged and elderly. As a young audience member, I felt somewhat out of place, which prompted me to think:
What if we design a new playhouse next to the old one?
This way, we can embrace the existing audience while attracting new young audiences and performers.
The project aims to create a new music venue adjacent to the old Pasadena Playhouse, catering to a younger demographic and providing various music and leisure activities that integrate indoor and outdoor spaces.
The design includes an outdoor coffee lounge connected to the adjacent rehearsal room, allowing musicians to take breaks and interact with others. An indoor small-scale auditorium with a 360-degree rotating stage will also be provided, serving as a venue for both small-scale concerts and experimental theater performances.
Site Location
Pasadena, California is renowned for its cultural diversity and rich history, featuring a plethora of cultural and artistic attractions throughout the city.
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This map illustrates the central location of the Playhouse District. In the previous century, there was also a renowned performing arts school here, known as the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts, consistently providing talent to places like Hollywood in Los Angeles.
To achieve a mutually beneficial partnership with the Pasadena Playhouse, I chose the buildings adjacent to it as the location. Both of these structures receive their primary sunlight from the south.
Standards and Goals
build community
​attract young audiences
​reconnect with old playhouse
​more stages for young performers
Target Audiences
Families
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Introduce children to music from an early age.
Cultivate their interest and understanding of music, dance, and performance.
Alex
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college student/young professionals
exploring new cultural experiences
technology, inclusive, accessibility
Susan
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retired teacher
longtime supporter
often attend performances with family
historical significance of the community
Outdoor Space
Outdoor garden and coffee stand, serving as a separation between the main pathway and the building
Behind the outdoor garden, a rehearsal space is connected
The entrance is on the side of the building, facing the old Pasadena Playhouse
Form Strategy
In this project, I have incorporated a distinctive element - the semicircle, inspired by the unique features of Pasadena's old houses. This element not only lends uniqueness to the project's design but also symbolizes a bridge. It is used to in a new way to connect different spaces, and through variations in scale, it imparts diversity and dynamism to the space, cleverly interlinking one space with another.
Axon Video
Indoor Space
The lobby area of the building, designed for the audience to wait before the performance begins.
A 360-degree rotating stage surrounded by circular seating
The green room is located on the side of the stage, connecting to the rehearsal room
From the rehearsal room, there is a view of the outdoor scenery
Material Selection
contemporary
cool
polycarbonate
cement tile
wool rug
warm
wood acoustic panel
maple
satin brass
vintage
linen sheer curtain
white lime plaster
terrazzo
Water-Based Latex Paint
sand stone
terracotta-colored
Catalan tiles
Color Selection
fresh, relax, contemporary, refined
​Extensive use of off-white wall paint pays homage to the Pasadena Playhouse, with vibrant colors introduced to infuse lively elements into the palette. Key vibrant colors include mint green, orange, and light blue. The incorporation of cool tones allows the entire space to breathe, while orange accents provide warm details.
Furnitures and Fixtures Selection
Side Chair
by Fort Standard
Dario Cream Boucle Accent Chair
Everly Quinn Caserta Velvet Arm Chair
John Pomp Studio
The JMP Chair
The Cirque collection
White Alabaster Wall Lamp
PATA DE ELEFANTE floor lamp
Designed by Tracy Tu
2023 Spring and Fall