Community Performing Arts & Learning Center
Antoine Predock

Photo: Bill Timmerman

Sited at the head of a small arroyo, the Green Valley Community Performing Arts and Learning Center (CPA/LC) is positioned in the landscape to maximize views to the Santa Catalinas, Santa Ritas, San Cayetano Peak and the distant Tumacacori Mountains.

The Master Plan elaborates on the concept of overlapping and shared uses by providing for an astronomical park and nature trail system as part of the open space preserve.


Photo: Bill Timmerman

Viewed from a distance, the shimmering copper clad theater nestles within the desert colored concrete forms of the stagehouse, rehearsal rooms and Pima College multipurpose space.


Photo: Bill Timmerman

The theater lobby opens directly onto the shared Learning Center/Theater courtyard, with the larger volumes of the theater providing shaded areas, as well as protection from the dust laden prevailing southwest winds.

The shared courtyard allows the new public performance venue of the theater, rehearsal studio, set construction and gallery to expand out into the landscape.


Photo: Bill Timmerman

Photo: Bill Timmerman

All program volumes are accessed from the covered, shaded walkway that continues to define the south edge of the complex.

This basket-like layering of translucent glass defines a crystalline realm where visitors observe and participate in theater. Edge lighting of the glass broadcasts into a diffuse glowing light that also functions as house light.


Photo: Bill Timmerman

Photo: Bill Timmerman

The Learning Center defines the northwest edge of the courtyard and creates its own internal protected courtyard for circulation. This allows classes to spill out into a protected outdoor area as well as encourage interaction between different classes.

Future additions to the Learning Center will continue within this framework, further defining the main courtyard and providing protection from the sun and wind.

Photo: Bill Timmerman

Photo: Bill Timmerman

Phase II will bring the addition of The Green Valley Community Performing Arts to the Pima Community College Learning Center. A consistent focus is the siting of the complex to maximize the views.

A 250 seat outdoor amphitheater, also oriented for views, anchors the theater complex to the site and expands out into the landscape.

Drawing courtesy Antoine Predock ArchitectSite Plan

Drawing courtesy Antoine Predock ArchitectFirst Floor Plan
Drawing courtesy Antoine Predock ArchitectSection