was simple: open by May 1, 2009—230 days from Ike’s departure. Horst Berger was on board, along with Fretz Construction Company, but the rest of the sextet had to be assembled. Joining the group was RdlR Architects to redesign and expand the seating areas and coordinate where the structure touched the ground; Walter P. Moore Engineers was responsible for the steel support frame; DeNardis Engineering, who, with Berger, was responsible for sculpting the fabric envelope; and Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin, providing civil engineering support. In a supporting role was FabriTec Structures, the fabric roof manufacturer, who due to the aggressive schedule had to be involved from day one. In early November the ensemble assembled on site with the owner (the Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands). With 184 days remaining, the task looked impossible on paper; and it would have been under any normal linear design and construction process. Each member of the sextet had a part to play and they had to start playing immediately, without sheet music. This was improvisation, reaction, opportunity— in short, it was jazz. As foundations were rebuilt, steel salvaged, and fixed seats renovated, the architects and engineers dealt with the evolution of codes and new wind-load standards to work out the geometry of the new roof. Based on Berger’s model, fabric was ordered for an 80,000-sf canopy. On Dec. 1, seven-day work weeks started. By midDecember, with the tower crane erected, crews were working around the clock. At the end of February, 13 lifts were erecting 75 tons of steel structure. The fabric roof was installed five days before opening day to allow completion of the expanded seating, installation of the sound system, and final touches to the grounds. The expanded amphitheater opened in May 2009 with improved acoustics and a new sense of intimacy. The covered seating was increased from 2,479 to 6,387 with a total capacity of 16,000 within the fence. Even though the expanded design was, in Berger’s words, “frozen by what had already been done,” there is a new sense of importance in the entry sequence, which will be further enhanced by a troika of new entry pavilions that Berger is currently designing.
(preceding spread) After being wrecked by Hurricane Ike, the pavilion was rebuilt with an expanded fabric canopy and additional seating. (this page, top and bottom) The project provided an opportunity to improve acoustics and enhance the audience’s sense of intimacy with the performers on stage. Enlarged from 30,000 sq. ft. to 80,000 sq. ft., the canopy now shelters 6,387 seats (formerly 2,479).
W.O. Neuhaus, III, FAIA, is a principal with Studio Red Architects in Houston.
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