Gammage Grandeur
An exploration of the ASU Gammage Memorial Auditorium, a significant performing arts venue and a late masterpiece by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
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About ASU Gammage
Location and Identity
ASU Gammage, originally known as Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium, is a distinguished multipurpose performing arts center situated at 1200 South Forest Avenue, Tempe, Arizona. It is an integral part of the main campus of Arizona State University (ASU). The auditorium is named in honor of Grady Gammage, a former ASU President.
Architectural Significance
This iconic structure is widely recognized as one of the final public commissions realized by the renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Its construction spanned from 1962 to 1964, cementing its place as a significant example of Wright's later architectural philosophy.
Global Performing Arts Hub
ASU Gammage stands as one of the world's most prominent university venues for the performing arts. It hosts a diverse array of genres and events, attracting artists and audiences from across the globe, underscoring its importance in the cultural landscape.
Historic Designation
Reflecting its architectural and cultural importance, ASU Gammage was officially listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1985, acknowledging its historical and architectural merit.
Architectural Vision
Wright's Concept
The genesis of ASU Gammage began in 1957 when President Grady Gammage sought a distinctive facility for the ASU campus. He engaged his friend, Frank Lloyd Wright, to design the building. Wright based the design on an unbuilt circular opera house he had conceptualized for Baghdad, Iraq, following an invitation from King Faisal II. The plans for the Baghdad project were ultimately abandoned due to political upheaval.
Usonian Influence
The auditorium's design is noted for its adherence to Wright's Usonian architectural principles. This style emphasizes organic integration with the environment, functionalism, and the use of natural materials, creating a harmonious blend of form and purpose.
Posthumous Realization
Tragically, both Wright and President Gammage passed away in 1959 before the project could commence. Wright's protégé, William Wesley Peters, took on the responsibility of overseeing the completion of the auditorium, ensuring Wright's vision was realized.
Construction and Opening
Building the Masterpiece
Construction of the Gammage Memorial Auditorium was spearheaded by the Robert E. McKee Company. The project commenced in 1962 and was completed in a remarkable twenty-five months. The facility officially opened its doors on September 18, 1964.
Inaugural Performance
The grand opening featured a performance by The Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy. This prestigious event marked the commencement of ASU Gammage's long history as a premier venue for artistic and cultural presentations.
Structural Design
Dimensions and Form
The auditorium is a substantial structure, measuring approximately 300 feet (91 meters) in length, 250 feet (76 meters) in width, and standing 80 feet (24 meters) high. Its distinctive circular form is supported by fifty concrete columns, which in turn hold a unique roof structure composed of interlocking circles.
Pedestrian Access
Complementing the main structure are twin "flying buttress" pedestrian ramps. These extend 200 feet (61 meters) from the north and east sides, providing elegant access from the parking areas and contributing to the building's unique aesthetic.
Seating and Adaptability
The auditorium offers seating for 3,017 patrons across its main floor, grand tier, and balcony levels. The interior design ensures excellent sightlines and acoustics, while the stage is engineered for adaptability, accommodating a wide range of performances including opera, theatrical productions, musicals, and lectures.
Performance Spaces
Auditorium Details
The main auditorium is designed for maximum patron comfort and viewing experience. It features accessibility for wheelchairs and incorporates an infrared system to assist approximately 100 hearing-impaired individuals, in addition to accommodating sign language interpreters.
Stage Specifications
The stage is a proscenium type, offering a playing space that can be configured from 64'x33' to 64'x40'. The proscenium opening itself measures 64'x30', with a grid height of 78'. The stage floor is constructed from Canadian hard rock maple, and the rigging system is comprehensive, featuring 58 double purchase lines and 40 hydraulic lines, totaling 98 lines.
Backstage Facilities
The backstage area is well-equipped, including a loading dock with door dimensions of 10'x11'6". It provides 9 dressing rooms with a maximum capacity for 54 individuals, ensuring ample space and facilities for performers.
Pit and Technicals
The stage includes permanent installations such as traps, an orchestra shell, and a hydraulic orchestra pit. The pit measures 76'x9' and can accommodate 90 chairs and 85 music stands. The building's electrical system comprises 9 panels providing a total of 2700 amps. Lighting capabilities include a computer memory board and a variety of fixtures, including 32 8x13s, 22 10x12s, 55 6x9s, 30 8" Fresnels, and 12 Par Cans.
Notable Events
Political Significance
ASU Gammage has served as a venue for significant national events. It hosted the funeral service for Senator Barry Goldwater on June 3, 1998. Furthermore, it was the site of the third and final debate between presidential candidates George W. Bush and John Kerry during the 2004 U.S. Presidential Election on October 13, 2004.
Historical Significance
National Register of Historic Places
The Gammage Memorial Auditorium's architectural and historical importance is formally recognized through its inclusion on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, a designation awarded on September 11, 1985. This listing affirms its status as a landmark contributing to American architectural heritage.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.
This is not professional architectural or historical advice. The information provided herein should not be considered a substitute for consultation with qualified architects, historians, or preservation specialists. Always consult with professionals for specific project needs or inquiries.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.