UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI KNIGHT RECITAL HALL COMPETITION

Practice: Ennead Architects

Type: Cultural

Location: Miami, FL

Status: Completed, 2017

The University of Miami invited Ennead to submit a design proposal for a small, flexible Recital Hall. Situated at the southern end of the Frost School of Music, the site provided interfaces with Lake Osceola and the intramural fields.

The proposed design concept utilizes the basic goal of framing the view to the lake from within the recital hall, orienting the hall to achieve the ideal view. This constraint provides the basic geometry of the building. A versatile arrival courtyard is located in the center of the site and strategically distributes lobby, support and other program around critical adjacencies and relationships. 

The courtyard allows for a wide variety of programming opportunities, such as wall-casting a live performance from within the hall for audience members, hosting small ensembles within the courtyard itself, or serving as a stage for a full orchestra, marching band or amplified performance groups.