The Performance Shell, a spectacular acoustic stage at Jacobs Park

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, included in the larger Embarcadero Marina Park South site, is the new summer home of the San Diego Symphony, an outdoor concert hall inspired by nautical esthetics which offers stunning 360-degree views of the city’s downtown and waterfront. Located on the edge of the bay, this recently opened permanent structure was developed through a partnership between the San Diego Symphony and leading design and construction experts. Tucker Sadler Architects are lead architects, while Soundforms and its London partners Flanagan Lawrence are designers of the Performance Shell, in collaboration with Expedition and ES Global. The Rady Shell now can accommodate a large orchestra with chorus and soloists.

Maximizing the experience for performance and sound

The sound consultant worked closely with San Diego Symphony CEO Martha Gilmer and the entire design team to ensure the creation of the finest conceivable acoustic environment which included a custom Constellation System by Berkeley-based Meyer Sound. This outdoor installation boasts of its high standard of acoustics. Tucker Sadler Architects is the lead designer and architect Greg Mueller, the firm’s CEO and Design Principal, was involved with the project since it began 18 years ago. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park involves the performance shell, backstage artist support spaces, three professional kitchens, underground restrooms and seating for 10,000 people. There is also a public park that takes advantage of views of gorgeous San Diego Bay and the city’s famous skyline. A beautiful natural setting, where the Orchestra led by the music director Rafael Payare will bring to audiences both the most beloved works of classical music as well as the brilliant new composers of our time.

A simply amazing structure

Another key partner in creating the performance shell was the Australia-based company Fabritecture, who developed and oversaw the technical design, fabrication and installation of the tensile structure of the performance shell, as well as the backstage support spaces, executive kitchen, box office and two dining pavilions. HLB was responsible for the architectural lighting design, and Schuler Shook designed the rigging and theater lighting. The outstanding contributions of all of the talent involved in this project resulted in a simply amazing structure, conceived to host a rich program of musical and cultural events – a unique gathering place for San Diego concertgoers, where culture and nature intersect.

Jason Flanagan, Partner at Flanagan Lawrence and Co-Founder of Soundforms

“We are thrilled to see our shell finally realised in this remarkable setting. But we’re even more excited that the shell’s acoustics – for both orchestra and audience – is as superb as we intended. The Rady Shell achieves our core objective – to bring world class acoustics to outdoor performances.”

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Rady Shell - Soundforms/Flanagan Lawrence Architects - Photos courtesy of San Diego Symphony

Rady Shell - Soundforms/Flanagan Lawrence Architects - Photos courtesy of San Diego Symphony

Rady Shell - Soundforms/Flanagan Lawrence Architects - Photos courtesy of San Diego Symphony

Rady Shell - Soundforms/Flanagan Lawrence Architects - Photos courtesy of San Diego Symphony

Rady Shell - Soundforms/Flanagan Lawrence Architects - Photos courtesy of San Diego Symphony

Rady Shell - Soundforms/Flanagan Lawrence Architects - Photos courtesy of San Diego Symphony

Rady Shell - Soundforms/Flanagan Lawrence Architects - Photos courtesy of San Diego Symphony

Rady Shell - Soundforms/Flanagan Lawrence Architects - Photos courtesy of San Diego Symphony

Rady Shell - Soundforms/Flanagan Lawrence Architects - Photos courtesy of San Diego Symphony

Rady Shell - Soundforms/Flanagan Lawrence Architects - Photos courtesy of San Diego Symphony

Rady Shell - Soundforms/Flanagan Lawrence Architects - Photos courtesy of San Diego Symphony

Rady Shell - Soundforms/Flanagan Lawrence Architects - San Diego Symphony

Rady Shell - Soundforms/Flanagan Lawrence Architects - Photos courtesy of San Diego Symphony

Rady Shell - Soundforms/Flanagan Lawrence Architects - Photos courtesy of San Diego Symphony

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