In 2010, Kevin B Howard Architects was presented with a problem, how to improve the existing Tucson Symphony Hall and Preforming Arts district. The existing Down Town Preforming Arts area was designed in the early 1970’s and has had many attempts over the years to provide a new life to the empty urban core. After attempts to master plan the surrounding areas  as part of Rio Nuevo, the TSO took it upon themselves to be a driving energy for Tucson Downtown Revitalization.

The buildings creates a new symphony hall based on a traditional three level concert hall, with a acoustical perfection. The Symphony Hall would act as the new Tucson icon. The existing hall would be preserved and the new hall would be connected by back of house. The new hall will not turn its back to the city, but instead  encourage active urban street life. Sculptural tensile shades would direct visitors from parking areas to the core of the preforming arts center and act as a much-needed way-finding icon to the adjacent convention center.

Proposal Study: 2010