Perfect for amphitheatre

Photo: Kate Bouey

The architect who designed the proposed amphitheatre for the grounds of Okanagan College's Vernon campus believes it is a perfect site for such a project.

“When I saw this site, as an architect, I was amazed. It's a gift to be given a site so perfect for this project,” said Bill Chomik, of Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd. “I was really excited.”

Chomik described how he opened his sketch book while taking his first look at the gully with the view of Kalamalka Lake. He took a look again on Friday and remains convinced of its merits.

The Okanagan Summer Festival Society is behind the proposed amphitheatre which would be used to host symphony orchestras and dance companies at the open-air location.

Neighbours are opposed, fearing noise, environmental impact and vehicles parking on their streets.

“I have to concern myself with noise, absolutely,” said Chomik, who's been designing cultural facilities for many of his 39 years as an architect. “The amphitheatre would be placed deep into the gully, which is a huge noise impediment in itself. It is a natural acoustical wall.

“Any sound from the stage would be bounced onto the large wooden ceiling and into the audience. We have to be clever in the design.

Between sinking the facility and the large roof, Chomik believes it would be difficult for the neighbours to hear music from the proposed venue.

Meanwhile, the festival society is speaking to an acoustical specialist who will conduct tests at the site and run computer simulations to work out the noise levels.

As far as the environmental impact, Chomik said, “We are touching the land gently. We are planning this instrument in the gully within the existing natural environment.”

He said concerns about flooding can be allayed by a culvert or dry well at the bottom of the gully to allow the water to move freely and continue to its destination.

Natural materials, possibly pine beetle wood, would be used for the roof while solar panels and other energy conscious devices would be installed. Nearby neighbours would see little, if any, of the roof of the structure, Chomik stressed.

“It's not going to be an iconic thing. It won't be blocking views so it doesn't interrupt the general natural site line.”

“Any time a new development comes into a neighbourhood that has housing within proximity, there is a reaction. Something new coming to the table is not a comfortable thing for them,” said Chomik.

He said property values increased when a cultural facility was put up in an area.