PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
BETHEL, NEW YORK

Project Type
Cultural/ Performing Arts
Team Designer
John Lockwood Carhart
Architect of Record
Richard Meier & Partners, New York

   The Performing Arts Pavilion in Bethel is on the site of the famous 1969 Woodstock Festival, and  is designed to provide lawn and covered seating for 14,000 on the gentle slope affording enhanced views of the stage. The seating and stage area are carved out of the existing slope and the lightweight roof structure floats above it like a cloud. The roof spans 200 feet across the column-less seating area for 3,500 people with V-shaped columns that branch out at the top.

The curved roof form provides protection from the elements and a natural cap for enhanced acoustics. The roof will be made from translucent treated glass which will reduce the solar gain. Its underside is louvered timber with an undulating form that lets in natural light and exposes the structural elements while still concealing the necessary spotlights and other equipment to be housed there. Natural cooling and passive airflow is used throughout the building and grey water will be recycled for the building systems.

   During the day the pavilion roof will reflect the sky and almost blend with the clouds. At night there will be a reverse affect with the building glowing from within. All of the elements of the pavilion including tensile roof, stage, covered and lawn seating, come together into a harmonious whole with the natural beauty of the site creating an unique venue for the performing arts.

   As one of the project team designers, John was responsible for the design of the entry pathways, support spaces, terraces, site walls and seating. John also collaborated and coordinated with structural, landscape and theater design consultants.