In Orlando


Photo: G. Wade Swicord


 Loch Haven Art Center ARCHITECT / Schweizer Associates
Loch Haven Art enter CONTRACTOR / Jack Jennings


The proposed ultimate develop-
ment of Loch Haven Art Center
is to occur on the site of the
present facility, located in Loch
Haven Park, overlooking lakes to
the east and north. It is antic-
ipated that the center shall be-
come the hub of cultural en-
deavor for the Central Florida
Area.

The program established for the
development of the center was
extremely complex. Considera-
tion for security, museum fa-
tique, lighting, receptions, edu-
cational and display functions
were incorporated in the design.
The design grew from the func-
tional requirements, although the
aesthetic and psychological im-
pact of the building were of ut-
most importance and constantly
considered.

The character, or style, of the
building is one of elegant sim-
plicity, and yet by no means
sterile or severe. The use of
warm brick at the building base,
the entrance pool, the relief de-
sign and the intricate massing
and surfaces are designed to of-
fer an open invitation to the com-
munity to enter, inspect, and


enjoy the artistic work enclosed
within.

The entrance and lobby are for-
mal in arrangement in order to
establish the dignity and validity
of the artistic efforts which will
lead directly or indirectly to the
ultimate development of this fac-
ility. Generating from the lobby
are informal spaces, the type of
space in which one feels free and
unrestricted. Although its sec-
urity measures are extremely
strict the building needed to re-
flect man's intellectual freedom
his freedom to become aware of
his world, his freedom to think,
his freedom to create.

The interior spaces were not to
dominate the human element or
accomplishments within the build-
ing, but were designed by scale
and arrangement to compliment
the work displayed or the proj-
ects being worked upon. Still it
was most necessary to establish
a sense of permanence for this
building, and all it represents.
By boldly massing and utilizing
elements which made positive
statements, the strength of the
building was insured.
 Continued *