Ohio Theatre Project Wins 2022 AIA Columbus Architecture Award

RKA received a Merit Award for Architectural Detail from the Columbus chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Columbus) for the Ohio Theatre Loge, Mezzanine, and Balcony Renovation Project! CAPA is pleased with the improvements that enhanced patron comfort and mobility throughout the renovated Loge, Mezzanine, and Balcony.

From the jury:

“The jury commends this design team for thoughtfully restoring the Ohio Theatre. Its contemporary use of material and the fabrication method deployed produced a harmonious intervention. In addition to its careful documentation and changes to improve aisles and uneven floor conditions, the handrail additions are particularly noteworthy. The theater originally utilized cast metal elements with great depth and richness, which is not economically viable today. As a creative alternative, the design team produced new rails through the innovative use of flat steel plates, cut and assembled in a manner that yields a surprisingly three-dimensional illusion. Of particular note, at the cross-aisle guardrails, the turning of the elements at a 45-degree angle creates a striking sense of depth and solidity. This is a good example of a project designing with an economy of means and a clever use of cost-effective modern steel construction technology that respects and pays homage to the aesthetics of a bygone era.”

Check out more about this project at the Rogers Krajnak Website:
https://rogerskrajnak.com/community/2013/001-CAPA-Ohio-Theatre-Loge-Renovation.htm

Additional images and drawings are featured at this link from the AIA Columbus Awards website:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127125088@N05/sets/72177720302475702/

Award-Winning Ohio Theatre Renovation Project

Rogers Krajnak Architects (RKA) congratulates Construction Systems Inc. (CSI) for receiving the 2021 Build Ohio Award from the Associated General Contractors of Ohio for the Ohio Theatre Loge, Mezzanine and Balcony Renovation.  Established in 1991, the Build Ohio Award recognizes contractors for construction excellence in project management, client service, craftsmanship, innovation in construction techniques and materials.  The complexity of this RKA designed project involved reshaping the curved, sloped, and uneven rows in the Loge seating areas and cross aisles, relocating stepped aisles, and installing custom fabricated handrails and seating in a limited window of time while the theatre was unoccupied.  Along with the new custom fabricated handholds that were installed in the stepped aisles of the Mezzanine and Balcony, the project improved patron safety in all of these seating areas of this historic theatre.  RKA applauds the great teamwork with RKA, CSI and CAPA!

See more about this project on our website here:
https://www.rogerskrajnak.com/community/2013/001-CAPA-Ohio-Theatre-Loge-Renovation.htm

Ohio Theatre Renovation

 RKA celebrates with the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) the successful completion of the renovation of the Loge, Mezzanine, and Balcony seating areas in the historic Ohio Theatre. The goal of the renovation project was to improve patron safety and comfort while maintaining the architectural, acoustical, and theatrical integrity of the landmark theatre.  RKA studied various options for revisions to the cross aisles, stepped aisles, and the seating configuration in the Loge, and the installation of custom designed handrails, guardrails, and hand holds in the Loge, Mezzanine and Balcony. Utilizing 3D computer modeling, RKA modeled all of the new handrails, guardrails and hand holds and confirmed that the sightlines in the theatre are maintained. 

By abstracting the profiles of various components of the theatre’s original railings, RKA created new custom designed steel handrails, guardrails and hand holds which were fabricated with steel plates to create a modern, code compliant, and economical solution. Modifications were made to the sloped and warped concrete flooring areas and new carpeting was installed.  In addition to the improved safety for theatre patrons, the project resulted in the addition of ten new seats in the center of the Loge.  Thanks to Construction Systems, Inc. and CAPA for another great collaboration on this successful project.