Pacific Opera Victoria, Baumann Centre
Victoria BC

The Pacific Opera Victoria’s headquarters is housed in this restructuring of a former parish hall. The two-level building redesigned to be the new home for POV’s administration and, box office, special performances, and rehearsal spaces, with the largest space being the Wingate Studio Hall event venue. A relocated main entryway to a new accessible courtyard at the street front of the building now opens directly into the elevator lobby and box office.  

The centrepiece of the entrance garden court is a totem by artist Carey Newman. POV intends for the Centre to be a catalyst for community arts collaboration. Offices, an entrance lobby, box office, meeting area, volunteer work area, and kitchen occupy the lower level. The upper level of the Centre is the Wingate Studio Hall, Artistic Director’s office, rehearsal spaces, and a commercial kitchen.  

The Hall is the Centre’s heart and is heavily programmed for chamber performances, opera rehearsals, and artist training programs. The acoustics of the hall were calibrated for both voice and orchestral instruments using a dramatic suspended, undulating cedar canopy inspired by waves, deflecting sound throughout the hall. In the canopy’s center is a stunning acoustic baffle, measuring three meters across, created by Kwagiulth artist and former opera singer Carey Newman. Other users of the facility include the Victoria Symphony and the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra, Victoria Children’s Choir, The Choirs YYJ, and the Intrepid Theatre Company. 

Client: Pacific Opera Victoria 

Consultant Team: 

• Structural: Skyline Engineering 

• Mechanical: Avalon Mechanical 

• Electrical: AES Limited 

Photo Credits: Tony Colangelo