MARION OLIVER MCCAW HALL – SEATTLE, WA

As a principal at LMN Architects, Owen Richards was the lead architect from design through construction for this 300,000sf transformation of the 1962 Seattle Opera House into a multi-use performance venue for music, dance, theatrical, and cultural festivals. The auditorium is particularly recognized for its extraordinary acoustical quality for music performances. Additional spaces include a 400-seat Lecture Hall, Rehearsal and Warm-up Spaces, Dressing Rooms, Backstage Support, and Major Public Spaces, including a prominent entry to Seattle Center. The project was designed to LEED Silver standard: sustainable features include natural ventilation in the lobby and displacement air distribution in the auditorium. The design team provided extensive fundraising support from pre-design through construction, including extensive renderings and assistance with donor solicitation.

In 2005 Owen Richards Architects was engaged by Seattle Center to provide continuing services at McCaw Hall, including dressing room upgrades, café, and lobby art enhancements, and in 2007 ORA designed an upgrade of the 400-seat Nesholm Lecture Hall to accommodate SIFF Cinema with state of the art film and audio systems, while maintaining the hall’s excellent acoustics for music performances.

Photo Credits: Lara Swimmer, Gareth Loveridge, LMN