FORT MASON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
48-410 ASO Studio S25
Professor Hal Hayes
Spring 2025
Located within one of San Francisco’s iconic historic sites, the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture (FMCAC) is a non-profit organization that provides a space for the sharing and performing of artistic programming. After its decommissioning as a military base and World War II embarkation point, Fort Mason was repurposed by FMCAC as a cultural hub, now welcoming over 1.2 million visitors annually to its restaurants, venues, and programming.
This design proposal builds on FMCAC’s existing artistic infrastructure by introducing two new large-scale performance venues. Thoughtfully integrated into the site’s dramatic topography and surrounding landmarks of the city, the new building activates the underutilized southern end of the campus. It reimagines the site’s entry as a civic landmark by transforming the entry of the site into an urban node and serve as a civic presence in the city.
The first venue is a 750-seat theater for music and theater performances. With a 40’ x 30’ proscenium opening, 20’ x 40’ stage, and full-height flyloft and rigging setup, the theater is set up to fully accommodate medium to large-scale performances. The theater is also supported by extensive facility spaces. A dedicated studio space with a prop, costume, electrical, and repair shop sits adjacent to the venue, allowing for production activities to occur. The lobby of the venue, featuring a dramatic three-story atrium, penthouse donor lounge, bars, cafes, and a gift shop, allows all patrons to have the best possible visitor experience.
The second venue is a 1100-seat theater for music and theater performances. This theater has a large open platform stage measuring 60’ x 40’ with over 50’ of vertical clearance, allowing for a highly flexible venue for large-scale outdoor performances. Canvas and perforated metal panels suspended above and placed around the structure provide shelter from wind and rain as well as improved acoustics, and a polycarbonate roof over the audience seating allows for natural lighting and views to Fort Mason and the San Francisco Bay while providing protection from weather. Constructed with a dramatic cable-stayed structure, the venue will serve as a landmark in the region.
The amphitheater is served by two front-of-house spaces, one on Lower Fort Mason, and one on Upper Fort Mason, which provide the necessary amenities for the visitor experience. A dedicated loading dock allows for easy access to equipment, and a rehearsal room underneath the stage provides performers a space to practice in an enclosed environment. Featuring operable glass walls, The rehearsal room can also transform into a stage, turning the parking lot into a performance venue.
The amphitheater is served by two front-of-house spaces, one on Lower Fort Mason, and one on Upper Fort Mason, which provide the necessary amenities for the visitor experience. A dedicated loading dock allows for easy access to equipment, and a rehearsal room underneath the stage provides performers a space to practice in an enclosed environment. Featuring operable glass walls, The rehearsal room can also transform into a stage, turning the parking lot into a performance venue.
