Creative Image & Contextual Resonance:
The Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA) is a unique collection of intimate venues within an iconic, protective envelope. Underneath the flight path of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, the sculptural shed roof not only provides the first level of acoustic protection, but also shelters its patrons and performers from the harsh desert sun. The roof is multi-referential, with inspiration from: monument valley; nearby Hayden butte; origami; and even stealth fighter design.

The roof’s faceted form drapes over the independent 600-seat Proscenium Theater, including its fly tower, the 200-seat Studio Theater, the visual arts gallery and a common lobby. The individual venues are clustered to form and activate a lobby emulating a town square. The semi-circular, protective assemblage of Pueblo Bonito at Chaco canyon inspired the building’s organization. Similar to Pueblo Bonito’s south orientation adjacent to the trade route and once flowing river, TCA is oriented north adjacent to Tempe Town Lake with views to nearby and distant landforms that punctuate the valley.