DESIGNWORKS 2020

Well-Spring Theatre

Durham, North Carolina

CJMW Architecture

Despite all of the focus on activities and amenities, residents of senior living communities often find their worlds shrinking as they age and as it becomes more difficulty physically to participate in the same beloved events they used to. That goes especially for attending events like concerts and the theatre.
With this in mind, the design team worked to adjust and tune the theatre to support the wide range of mobility, hearing, and access needs of Well-Spring community residents while maintaining the integrity of a state-of-the-art theater.
To attract local and regional theater groups, symphonies, performers and audiences from outside the senior living community the team knew the venue had to be both welcoming and elegant. Design forms and materials selections elevate and celebrate the space for special occasions but are familiar enough to be welcoming for informal events, memorial services, and to those who may be hesitant to attend events with (potentially) a large crowd. The rich velour seat fabric is luxe enough that it feels special while the residential-like pattern gives a familiar scale and texture. It’s also durable, able to stand up to the food or drink that often finds its way into venues like this one.
Lighting levels can be tuned to provide layered lighting while maintaining the levels needed on stage. Acoustic fabric panels integrated into the millwork are balanced for performance AND aesthetic. A generous lobby and other pre-function spaces give attendees a place to gather on their way to the theater.