Interview with Acoustics Designer

Artful Acoustics: An Interview with Acoustics Designer, Michael Yantis

Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA) will emphasize excellent acoustics in the new performing arts space. However, creating just the right acoustical environment for the full spectrum of performance types is a complicated process. To understand this better, Island Arts (IA) interviewed the new building’s acoustics designer, Michael Yantis (MY).

What is the goal of acoustics for VCA?
MY: We want the theater space to deliver the best sound possible for each type of performance, with classical music on one end of the spectrum and drama on other. From an acoustical stand point that’s a broad goal. For example, classical music needs volume and space to reach its full potential, while fast-paced music and drama need a tighter (acoustical) environment for clarity.

What are the factors involved in spanning the range?
MY: In the big picture, what we’re trying to achieve is a balanced room response. In other words, how much does the room respond when sound occurs? A good example of a high room response would be a cathedral. If you try to talk to someone and you’re close – you can hear, but you can’t understand because the sound you created is still persisting, masking the sound you’re making. That kind of “lively” environment is ideal for classical music which invites full immersion, but it doesn’t work for fast-tempo music or drama where clarity is critical. With opera, you also want to be immersed, so ideally the room response should be a shade toward lively but no so much that words are unintelligible.

What physical things can you do to make the space right for each type performance?
MY: The starting point creating the correct ratio between the volume of the room and acoustic absorption. The technical term for this is called reverberation time, which is the persistence of sound after the noise stopped. In fast tempo you want a short reverberation time – or dead room response and in classical, you want a long reverberation time. The technique is to first create enough volume to achieve the room response for symphonic music and then add portable materials that will deaden the sound for speech and faster music. Draperies are a good example of a portable material because they disappear and deploy depending on the desired reverberation time. The moveable shell also helps modify the sound for instrumentalists playing on stage. With the shell, the stage can be anywhere from ten feet to 30 feet deep, depending on the size of the ensemble. That flexibility benefits both the ensemble – who like to hear one another -- and the audience.

What would you like people to say about the VCA’s acoustics after they attend a performance?
MY: When the acoustics of a hall are excellent, the audience is not aware of what the hall is contributing to the music. To their ears, the musicians just sound fantastic. So I would like people to say, “Those were the most talented performers that I have ever heard!”

Contractor selected for VAA building project

Vashon Allied Arts selected Seattle’s Sellen Construction as general contractor for  Vashon Center for the Arts building project from 10 firms that responded to VAA’s request for proposals. Founded in 1944, Sellen is one of the oldest and most established contractors in the Northwest. They offer extensive experience in building theater and gallery facilities including Seattle Art Museum renovation expansion, Paramount Theater renovation and Bellevue Art Museum.

“Sellen has consistently produced high quality buildings that are completed on time and within budget,” says Project Manager Kirk Robinson. Committed and active in arts organizations throughout the region, a recent conversation with President Scott Redman (grandson of founder John Sellen) reinforced the company’s philosophy and his personal philosophy with the goals of VAA.

Seattle native, Redman studied political science at University of Washington and UC San Diego and soon found himself immersed in the world of government and politics. Working in both state and national government affairs, including a stint working with the U.S Senate in Washington D.C., Redman’s route to the family business took a circuitous route, but one he feels has served the company well for the last twenty years. “The company is part of my history,” He says. “It’s amazing to me how many of my skills are applicable. We tried to build a company that is committed to quality and community.” Sellen’s ownership is now a private corporation held by 50 employees and the common thread for their projects clearly runs toward non profit projects. Redman has served as Principal on many of these projects, both small and large, from Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Jewish Family Services to the Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle Children’s Hospital expansion and Cornish College of the Arts to name a few.

Redman is quick to acknowledge that the Arts are his personal passion. Long time arts patron and advocate, Redman has served on boards for Seattle Art Museum and ArtsFund Foundation among others. He also serves on the advisory board for KEXP radio.

But for Redman, his passion for the arts goes beyond the boardroom. “I grew up as a patron of the arts; it was a family value. The arts inspire me.” His daughters, ages 16 and 18 are both artists, one a dancer, the other a singer/songwriter. “I’ve had the chance to see my kids fall in love with art and have observed firsthand how early arts education has shaped and inspired their lives. The opportunity to perform in beautiful spaces is paramount. We’ve seen how having the right facility can be transformative in so many ways for performers, audience and the community. I’ve had the benefit of being involved in some great projects. Some of my favorites are The Triple Door, The Paramount, The Lee Center for the Arts, Edmonds Center for the Arts and the technical pavilion for Seattle Children’s Theater.”

Redman adds that while these projects have been great, “The people are the best part of every project—helping them fulfill their mission; it’s very positive. We can’t wait to get started on the Vashon Center for the Arts.”  

Open Houses Offer First Peek
at New VAA Building

For the past three years, Vashon Allied Arts has collaborated with other Island arts organizations to develop a new facility adjacent to the Blue Heron. Be one of the first to see the results to date when we unveil the current schematic design at a pair of open houses Saturday, July 9, 1 to 4 pm, and Tuesday, July 12, 5 to 8 pm, at the Blue Heron. VAA members are invited to an open house preview Friday, July 8, 6 to 8 pm. We’ll also have a booth at Strawberry Festival in case you miss one of these meetings.

Curious about what the building might look like, where it will sit on the property or the proposed floor plan? Here’s your chance to review the proposed design, ask questions and share your thoughts with representatives from LMN Architects, project manager Kirk Robinson and members of VAA Board and Staff.

Current plans are the culmination of numerous meetings which VAA conducted with Island visual arts, music, drama, dance and cultural groups (as well as the school district) to understand each organization’s technical requirements, scheduling needs and financial concerns. Our goal is to create a building that complements existing facilities on the Island and meets—as much as possible—the needs of the community at large.

The vision of a new performance space began in August 2007, when Kay White, longtime Islander and Vashon Chorale member, approached VAA with a bold vision–to build a performance space to showcase the Chorale and other Island performing arts groups. To launch the effort, White made some initial donations and then set up set up a charitable remainder trust for the project which, along with two other gifts, will support the building’s operation for years to come and keep usage fees and ticket prices affordable.

VAA has currently raised another $5.2 million toward the overall cost of construction. But we have a ways to go. This month, we are pleased to share our excitement and the proposed building designs. We invite you drop in anytime during the open houses to take a look, ask questions and provide your thoughts. We look forward to seeing you there!

Meet the Architects
Jennifer Hing and George Shaw

Vashon Allied Arts welcomes LMN Architects Jennifer Hing and George Shaw to lead the VAA Building project. “We couldn’t be more pleased and honored to have the expertise of these two highly skilled and committed individuals to head our project team. We are confident in their ability to bring nothing but the best for our Island artists and our community,” says VAA Executive Director Molly Reed. 

Jennifer Hing

An architect at heart, Jennifer Hing’s strong interest in spaces, how to use them and how to put things together led her to build her first house while still in high school. “I used to design spaces in my head at night,” she laughs.

Growing up in Phoenix, she first attended Stanford University, where she delved into urban studies with architecture and design. She moved to Seattle to attend graduate school in architecture at University of Washington.

"After school I worked for a non-profit and was interested in housing. In 1995, I was offered the opportunity to work for LMN; I thought it would be a corporate environment, but found out that’s not the case at all. Each time I reassess, a new project comes up. There’s diversity and intent on staff development; collaboration is key. I’m always learning; the people are a huge reason I stay.”

Hing acknowledges that working in a male-dominated profession has presented challenges. Balancing a full time career and two young children (ages 6 and 2) adds yet another layer of challenge, but Hing says LMN offers a flexible schedule that allows her more time with family. Her husband is also an architect.

Hing’s favorite projects include Seattle Children’s Theatre. “I saw that project from beginning to end and was involved in the creative process; it was very fulfilling.” She also worked with Seattle Art Museum, specifically in exhibit design for the porcelain room, which elegantly showcases pieces from floor to ceiling integrating design and architecture. One of her favorite academic projects includes Everett Community College Art and Science building, a project completed in 2006, designed for the juxtaposition of the two programs.

Hing is thrilled to be Project Architect for VAA. She oversees and collaborates with six other architects, including two of LMN’s six partners, George Shaw and Mark Reddington. “It’s challenging and exciting; this will be a very important community and civic building-designed for its use. It’s great to be part of a place that will provide so much opportunity for so many. One of the challenges is to distill all the views to create an eloquent, simple solution to meet the artistic needs of the Island.”

George Shaw 

Architect George Shaw believes the quality of the finished product is paramount in any design. But equally important, he emphasizes, are the people and the process. “The two are inseparable,” he says.

Shaw, who joined LMN in 1991, grew up in Northern California and attended UC Berkeley’s School of Architecture. He has always been fascinated with the physical manifestation of the environment. What he most enjoys about architecture is that the discipline combines creativity with the scientific aspect of making things. “It relates to so many things,” he adds.

When asked what’s different about LMN versus other firms, Shaw replies, “The diversity of projects--large and small, public and private, educational facilities, theaters—all help inform each other. Certain things, like acoustics, are somewhat under-recognized in our society in public spaces so theaters help inform other projects. Ceilings…we think about all surfaces for design and function. Our diversity helps expose us to a wider range of issues. But our defining aspect is commitment to community.”

In regard to VAA’s building project, Shaw says a VAA Board member summed it up perfectly, “‘The whole Island is an arts campus!’ I hope this building will ultimately express that feeling, not only in how it looks, but how it’s used. This project has the potential to be transformative for the community in a very positive way.”

Shaw is married and has two young daughters, ages 15 and 10. His wife, a landscape architect and an avid gardener, is a full time mom and community volunteer.

CENTER - where past and future come together

By Bruce Morser

One of the first, and most important, decisions for any building project is so basic as to be almost taken for granted: Where to build? I’m on the Board of Vashon Allied Arts (VAA), and together with the staff, we studied this question in depth for over two years before concluding that the southeast corner of Island Center, adjacent to the Blue Heron building, is the ideal location for a unique Island arts facility. Our thinking can be grouped into three general categories.

1) The project is more than a just new building – it is an interactive arts campus. When Kay White first offered the inspiration and seed money to develop an acoustically sophisticated, Island-sized concert hall, a wonderful vision began to emerge. If a flexible performing and visual arts building could be designed to work in collaboration with a renovated and reconfigured Blue Heron, great opportunities, as well as solid economies, could be generated for all arts-oriented Islanders. Additionally, if the space inside each building were planned to work in concert with the spaces between and around each structure, the result would be a unique multi-use arts campus.

Like the current Blue Heron, the campus’s new building will not sit quietly between performances, rather it will be a hard working, around-the-clock educational facility with a theater, art gallery, classrooms and support facilities. Rooms designed for flexibility will serve either as classrooms, dressing rooms or green rooms depending on the immediate need, thereby reducing the redundancy of two remotely located structures. Administrative offices might be also consolidated in order to maximize space, while saving both money and communication headaches. Equipment and strategies to maintain both structures would also simplfy. The close proximity of the two buildings plus an outdoor space - all designed to work together – would be efficient and programmatically exciting.

Another benefit about using VAA’s three adjoining properties is that by restoring the eastern most acreage, and preserving it’s wet lands, the campus gains not only permits for required off-street parking, but also a beautiful new park-like setting.

2) It’s best for families and children. One of VAA’s programming hallmarks is to involve Island kids at all levels. Developing the new arts campus at Center allows Chautauqua Elementary, McMurray Middle School and Vashon High School students easy pedestrian access to after school arts classes. Campus pathways will connect with existing paths to assist students walking from these schools. The more we studied the land surrounding the VAA properties, the more we realized the untapped potential to establish an educational neighborhood including all school district buildings and existing interconnecting trail system.

3) It returns Center to its historic roots.
The Blue Heron building, originally constructed in 1912 as the Odd Fellows Hall, is a significant piece of Vashon’s historic Island Center. Few local buildings can claim Island grown “drop-siding,” and even fewer can claim such a long history of public use. When Center was first established as one of Vashon’s original intersection villages, the four corners were equally divided between private mercantile concerns and public spaces, two churches, a school and a gathering hall. I am probably not alone in appreciating the small pedestrian feeling of Center, and VAA sees a real opportunity to add important public space to the wonderful, historic mix of businesses already there.

Building any facility requires lots of careful research, thinking and rethinking. I’m confident that VAA has quietly done its homework on this project. Whether you’ll eventually watch or participate in an evening concert, take an arts class or simply grab a cup of coffee at Minglement before visiting the gallery, advantages of developing VAA’s facility at Center seem too good to pass up.

Please watch for our continuing series of articles concerning the new arts campus here on the website, in future Island Arts publications, the Beachcomber and the Loop.

WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE? - Building from the inside out-Jan/2011

By Bruce Morser

[This is the 2nd in a series of articles to inform Islanders of the status of VAA’s proposed new arts facility – Your thoughts and responses are welcome]

The excitement surrounding the announcement of a new building is often focused on “What will it look like?”. Looks are important, and it’s crucial that any new structure work well within its surroundings and pay respect to the historic culture of that area. However, many other issues need to be considered first. The most successful buildings and campuses are truly designed from the inside out.

From the day Kay White first alerted Vashon Allied Arts Executive Director Molly Reed, of her interest in providing a wonderfully generous lead gift toward development of an ‘Island sized’ performance hall and gallery/classroom space, VAA Board members and staff have worked on these pre-visual-design projects. To date, we haven’t considered exterior designs - it’s just not time yet.
Under the thoughtful leadership of VAA Building Committee Chair Paul Martinez and Project Manager Kirk Robinson of the Robinson Company (and the P.M. on the Vashon Community Care project), much progress has been made on the following big questions:

Does the Vashon Arts Community really need or want this facility? YES. Key potential users, such as Drama Dock, Vashon Island Chorale, Blue Heron Dance, Vashon Opera, musicians, performing artists, etc., as well as many visual artists and teachers, have met in focus groups with LMN to compare their rock bottom requirements as well as wish lists. What they all agree on is the need for an additional facility and a renovated Blue Heron! The High School’s response was simple: ‘Hurry!’

Will it needlessly duplicate or compete with existing Island facilities? NO. The new facility is being designed as a compliment to other spaces. We’ve shared our growing vision with Vashon Island School District, looked at other performance spaces and discussed possible seat counts (250 – 300?), acoustic features and back stage supports like dressing room - green room - class room combinations. This process has helped us find our niche.

Can VAA, and our Island, responsibly afford this facility now, AND, more importantly, successfully maintain it into the distant future? YES. Fundraising has been thoughtfully addressed, with initial seed money effective in seeking grants and leading a broader fund drive. That same money can later supply a reserve fund dedicated to securing future operations and maintenance. A key principal has always been to insure ACCESS to the arts with ticket prices and fees that all Islanders can afford!

At some point the “look” of the building, and the entire arts campus, will finally need to be designed, and for that we’ll continue to reach out to our Island neighbors. Future articles and meetings will be used to gather more of your input. Your participation will help guide us toward the request we’ve heard from so many Islanders: ‘work hard to create the right facility that will bring Vashon Arts to Vashon Islanders’. We promise to do that, both inside and out!
For more information, please contact VAA Executive Director, Molly Reed, 463.5131.

An Arts Campus for All Islanders/Nov-Dec. 2010

By Kevin McMurdo

A Growing Need

Ask any Vashon resident what makes this Island a special place, and many will say “the arts.” Stop by the Blue Heron building on Vashon Highway any day and witness firsthand the excitement and activities that lie at the heart of Vashon Allied Arts––the oldest arts organization in the State of Washington and artistic center for Vashon’s 10,000 plus residents. What you’ll find is that we’re “busting at the seams.” VAA is not alone, however. A number of community arts organizations – Drama Dock, Vashon Island Chorale, Vashon Opera, Vashon Youth Orchestra, to name a few – are also in need of more, and better, performance space.

An Amazing Response
In summer 2007, longtime Islander Kay White approached VAA with a dream and a challenge. Kay wanted to help fund a special place where she and other members of Island Chorale could sing for their neighbors. Kay envisioned a public space, but intimate, acoustically sophisticated and keeping with Vashon sensibilities––in short, a performance space that would bring out the best of Vashon. Kay’s generous gift made it possible to begin working toward that dream. For the past three years, VAA has carefully laid the foundation for a new arts campus, unlike any on Vashon. We have purchased two parcels adjacent to the historic Blue Heron and are working with community organizations and individuals, asking for guidance and input. And, we’ve begun the “quiet” phase of a fundraising effort to support the campus project.

A Key Ingredient
Last month, the VAA Board voted to hire Kirk Robinson of The Robinson Company of Seattle to serve as project managers. We interviewed many fine candidates, including some from Vashon. None, however, had the combination of experience with performing arts buildings and a deep understanding of the unique character of Vashon. Kirk will be working with the VAA Board as well as the project architects, LMN Architects of Seattle. A significant part of his job is to assure that the needs of the many Vashon arts communities and views of the community at large are incorporated into the building process and design.

Community Participation
Kay’s gift, and potential it provides, is known to most on Vashon. In addition to outreach mentioned above, numerous articles have appeared in the Beachcomber, describing the process – and progress – to date. Yet, some in the community have raised legitimate questions about the need and scope of such a project:
How much will it cost?
Do we really need another performance space?
What will it look like?
What impact will the project have on me and my Vashon neighbors?
What is the timeline for completion?
Will I be expected to help pay for the new space?
Who will perform in the new space?

These questions/concerns will be addressed in many ways, including future issues of Island Arts. What questions and/or suggestions do you have about the VAA arts campus project? Please share them with us in any of the following ways:
By mail: PO Box 576, Vashon, WA 98070
By telephone to Molly Reed, 463-5131 x225
By e-mail to molly@vashonalliedarts.org

Together, we can create a space that will reflect the very best that is Vashon.
– by Kevin McMurdo, VAA Board Trustee

VAA Selects Project Manager

Kirk Robinson, President of The Robinson Company recently spoke about being selected as VAA Project Manager. The 25 year old, 12 person Seattle-based firm specializes in working with non-profit organizations. They helped Vashon Community Care Center in the construction of their new facility. Other long–term clients include Highline School District, Swedish Medical Center and Mount Saint Vincent. Robinson is currently Project Manager for Ballard’s Nordic Heritage Museum and is subcontracted with the architects for Vashon High School’s project and the work at Vashon Library. Since 1985 the group has worked on 40 performing arts, cultural and community centers.

“We like the spirit of non-profits, the volunteers, the energy and the good causes. It can be a cumbersome and difficult process and we can help the transition go smoothly,” says Robinson.

The company will handle project management duties, cost estimating, constructability, value engineering and assist with fundraising for the VAA building project. “In other words, we will find the easiest, fastest and most economical way to create a sustainable design,” Robinson explains. “We weigh economics and quality and address life-cycle costs.” Financial Analyst Jim Blumenthal (Martin Nelson & Co) is already working side-by-side with Robinson and Craig Sheets will be involved in the project’s construction aspects.

“This is the first time we’ve worked with LMN; I don’t think you can get a better architectural firm for this kind of building; their track record is phenomenal,” he adds.

VAA Board President Scarlett Foster Moss lauds Robinson, “He is great choice and a great match for VAA and Vashon. Selecting the Project Manager is a big step. Now with Robinson and Alford [The Alford Group is a Seattle based consulting firm that assists not-for-profit organizations on management and resource development issues] we have added much needed expertise that allows us to move forward.”

Paul Martinez, VAA trustee and building committee member explains the process, “After a review of 23 proposers to a Request for Proposals published in the Beachcomber and Daily Journal of Commerce the interview committee seven candidates were selected for interviews. Of the four Island proposers two were selected for interviews. From the seven interviews three candidates made a top group from which the Robinson Company was selected. Kirk Robinson made a very favorable impression on the committee. Having completed project management locally on the Community Care Center his skill in cost estimating, understanding entitlements and clear communication skills made him a great fit. Kirk’s understanding of arts buildings and the public process make us excited to have him and the Robinson Team part of another Vashon project.”

Robinson, who grew up in Chicago, earned his degree in architectural engineering at University of Colorado in Boulder. He moved to Seattle in 1980 with his wife and business partner, Jean. Their daughter Sarah attends Seattle University.