Bass Concert Hall, University of Texas

Reviving the Legacy of Austin's Bass Concert Hall with a Major Renovation and Addition for Enhanced Performances and Audience Experience

As one of the most prominent performing arts facilities in Austin, The University of Texas’ Bass Concert Hall attracts world-famous performers and productions. The project team took great care to conserve the Texas landmark’s legacy while enhancing the audience and artist experience. The scope of the project included a major renovation and addition to the building, as well as a correction to existing code violations. The front of the building was removed and opened to create greater transparency, and an expanded lobby was created for receptions and events.

Upgrades to the audience chamber included new seating and flooring finishes, enhanced lighting, an opened ceiling with adjustable acoustic treatment, and new surfaces on the side walls. The stage itself was updated with new cheek walls and a forestage canopy to improve sound projection, and a new forestage grid to improve lighting flexibility.

Additional elements included replacing aisle lighting for better visibility, and new carpet in the lobbies and auditorium. The completion of the project resulted in a successful transformation of the building into a new popular performance venue for Austin that will serve as the largest theatre in the city of Austin until the completion of the Moody Center.