Conference Center for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Home to the biannual general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the impressive 1.5 million-square-foot Conference Center consists of a 21,000-seat auditorium – one of the world’s largest indoor worship and conference spaces – and a 911-seat proscenium theatre.   The Conference Center can be configured to host pageants, concerts, special events, and music performances.

Auerbach Pollock Friedlander played a major role in the design of the auditorium from development of the configuration of the hall to the design of the highly advanced theatrical lighting systems. Development of highly effective broadcast lighting and integrated camera positions for the nation’s first HD live performance venues were also provided. The firm was challenged with the task of creating a comfortable space with apparent intimacy despite the football field-long viewing distances at some points. Clear sightlines and a state-of-the-art audio-video system now allow each member of the audience to see and hear the speaker as if they were being addressed personally.

Designed to last for at least 150 years, the infrastructure can accommodate the latest technology throughout its lifetime with a framework of data distribution, power, structural systems and an accessible service tunnel network. The proscenium theatre, used for training, performances and Church sponsored events, is large enough for the most elaborate stage productions and also serves for overflow sessions of general conferences.

Architect of Record: Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership
Consulting Architect: Gilles Stranskey Brems Smith Architects
Acoustics: Jaffe Holden
Size: 1,400,000 SF
Completion: 2000