Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Auerbach Pollock Friedlander was initially contacted by Billes Manning Architects, a member of the Convention Center III team, to provide a conceptual design of a 4,000-seat divisible hall for plenary sessions, industrial shows, special events and concerts. The firm developed a radial plan with fan-shaped hall segments and bi-level entrances that tightened up the allotted footprint but with significantly improved viewing angles and communication throughout when the hall was in “open mode”.

Upon completion of the concept design, Auerbach Pollock Friedlander worked with the Convention Center’s management to adjust the program and also to plan and design seating, divider walls and room cut down systems. The firm also designed the theatrical lighting, and motorized and static rigging systems, including the largest tension grid in North America at the time.

Architect: Convention Center III Architects
Acoustics: Paoletti Associates
Size: 55,000 SF, estimated
Completion: 1999