The Laurence Frost Amphitheater, Stanford, Calif.
RETROFIT TEAM
ARCHITECT: CAW Architects
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Rutherford & Chekene
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Studio-MLA
CIVIL ENGINEER: Sandis
THEATRICAL CONSULTANT: Fisher Dachs Associates
ACOUSTICAL CONSULTANT: Kirkegaard
AUDIO CONSULTANT: Sonitus
THE RETROFIT
The Laurence Frost Amphitheater is one of Stanford University’s most legendary spaces. The historic tree-lined grass bowl was built in 1937 to host university functions and events. It evolved into a venue that hosts popular musical acts, classical concerts and addresses by dignitaries, such as Mikhail Gorbachev. In its heyday, it was a regular venue for the Grateful Dead and featured numerous well-known musical guests, such as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Joan Baez. However, in the past few decades, the amphitheater fell into disuse because of the difficulty in producing events within its bowl, which lacked accessibility and production infrastructure.
The goal of the recent redesign was to create greater accessibility for larger acts to perform,
as well as the ability to house student shows and various university events. CAW Architects’ design mission and vision was to create a more modern experience while sustaining the beauty and serenity of the historic site. This modernization was achieved with the creation of curved tunnels for wayfinding and crowd management and a new signature curved wall that serves as a shield to the stage building beyond. A wide variety of stone and wood elements were added throughout the design to enhance the natural beauty of the tree-lined bowl.
Functionality and access were additional key aspects of the redesign. CAW Architects created new entrances to the amphitheater by designing a unique and strategically placed system of tunnels through the tree-covered slopes. Other additions included new guest amenities, an updated service and stage entrance, a stage building with a canopy cover to protect the performers, and upgraded lighting and sound infrastructure.
After almost two years of limited programming because of pandemic restrictions, Stanford Live expanded its concert series at the amphitheater, which is designed to hold up to 8,000 guests, for the 2021-22 season.