EVENT CENTER

A 6,000 -8,000 seat multipurpose venue serves the 'middle brow'. Minor league teams often serve as the catalyst for this type of venue. "You can call their facilities or their franchises minor, but the fact remains they are doing major business." (Facilities Manager 2004). The Event Center is flexible and transforms to host a myriad of events from fencing to football; from boxing + basketball to boat shows; from hockey to home shows; from Disney on Ice to Death Cab for Cutie.

The architectural form is derived from the functional plan. Gaps in the form align with the stadium vomitoria and the space between the gaps form a ribbon that create the edges of the volume. Each type of event creates a unique environment. The components of the facility are carefully crafted and interwoven to respond to the program of each event. Every facility of this type is comprised of two essentially different spaces that oppose each other: the space and landscape of the audience, and the field or stage of the event, encrusted with support machinery along the edges. Catwalks, lighting, and support grids are located in the ceiling within the gaps.

All projects are the result of the work of many: This project was led, and designed by Donna Barry and Brian Avery while employed by Gould Evans. SUBSTANCE design consortium was conceived to create equally successful projects. Other primary players on the project include: Mike McAtee, Bri Smathers and Adam Odgers. Images provided courtesy of the owner/developer Avenue Communities, Tempe Arizona. A new site location for the project is in progress.