RWDI has assisted designers of performing arts centers over the world with a wide range of services for design issues relating to the impacts of wind, snow, noise, sun/shade, and air pollutants. Such impacts affect the comfort and safety of patrons as they use such facilities. Because many of these facilities are large, they can benefit from the same kinds of studies associated with convention centers, sports facilities, hotels and airports.

Thermal Comfort

Cooling large spaces can be a challenge, especially sun-filled glazed atria or courtyards. RWDI can assess this impact and help mitigate problems affecting the comfort of the guests.

Pedestrian Comfort

The design of a performing arts center can influence wind activity, thereby impacting safety and comfort of outdoor plaza areas.  Wind breaks, screens, and minor modifications to buildings can improve wind conditions and patron access.

Sun / Shade Impacts

Outdoor facilities can be affected by shadow patterns created by the facility or its neighbors, while solar glare from reflective surfaces can impact some activities.

Air Quality / Ventilation

Air quality impacts from outdoor sources such as parking facilities, local traffic, loading docks, and diesel generators must be taken into account when designing fresh air intakes. Correct design of interior ventilation systems in terms of temperature and air flow is important for performers and audiences.  Smoke control, in the event of a fire, is also an important design consideration for large indoor spaces.

Noise / Acoustics / Vibration

performing arts centers provide a wide variety of spaces where good acoustical design is essential to ensure optimal reception of speech or music. Impacts of mechanical systems must also be considered.  

Cladding / Structural Loads

Roofs and walls of major structures require accurate information for the design of the building's structural and curtainwall systems.

Snow and Ice

Accumulations of snow and ice on roofs or snowdrifts around buildings can lead to structural failures or blocked access or even increased maintenance. Studies designed to identify such impacts can assist designers in mitigating these conditions.