An examination of the pre-design process documentation and the impact on the renovations of three historic theaters
Abstract
This thesis examines the pre-design documentation from the renovation of three
historic theaters located in Detroit, Michigan. Two theaters hired architectural firms to
produce a pre-design document. The third theater utilized a design-build approach to
renovation. Interviews were conducted to review the approach and final outcomes.
It became evident through the analysis of the documentation and interviews that
it was beneficial in the renovation of a historic theater to have a comprehensive predesign
process that identifies: the nature of the pre-design document, the nature of the
client, the nature of the pre-design team, and the scope of work and time available. It
also became apparent that the organizational approach that would apply to most any
document for a heritage building should follow the Problem Seeking format of: Form,
Function, Time and Economy. Utilizing this format for a pre-design record should yield
a document that is concise, comprehensive and flexible.
Subject
Pre-Design ProcessHistoric Theater Renovation
Fox Theater Detroit
Orchestra Hall Detroit
Detroit Opera House
C. Howard Crane
Albert Kahn Associates
Quinn Evans Architects
Kessler Francis Cardoza Architects
Citation
Rozmarek, Lesa Andrea (2008). An examination of the pre-design process documentation and the impact on the renovations of three historic theaters. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /85991.