DALLAS, TX.-The Annette Strauss Artist Square will create a lively, welcoming public space in front of the Winspear Opera House, also designed by Foster + Partners. A key part of the wider masterplan for the area that will see the creation of a whole new Performing Arts District for Dallas, the new square will serve both as a venue for popular music, dance and events, as well as playing a vital role in bringing the world-class performances of the Dallas Symphony and Opera to a wider audience.
In keeping with the Winspear’s reinvention of the opera house for the twenty-first century, the new square is intended to attract a wide public – of all ages and musical tastes – and will help to ensure that the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts becomes a popular destination for the whole community, as well as the vehicle for the continued support and growth of all of the performing arts in the city.
Within the square, a performance lawn slopes towards a stage, with elevated side terraces providing excellent stage views and a platform for drinks and concession stands. Bordering the lawn, and sheltering the audience from the traffic noise of Woodall Rodgers freeway, is a new wall that replaces the old temporary fencing. The integrated lighting within the landscaped areas is a continuation of the site lighting design for the plaza and the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts, and will unify and consolidate the different elements within the overall scheme.