Western Connecticut State University Visual & Performing Arts Center
137,000 square-foot project presented several unique design challenges for the use of cold-formed steel including a 96-foot soaring wall, an interior 40-foot plenum, as well as trapezoidal and triangular windows which required the use of advanced BIM technology and analysis software. Close field coordination and construction sequencing was incorporated in the design phase with the Contractor.
Primary Features
-
Three architecturally distinct wings for the departments of art, music and theatre arts, connected through a stunning multi-tiered lobby.
-
Main stage theatre, featuring seating for an audience of up to 350 with top-of-the-line acoustics and sight-lines, orchestra pit to accommodate up to 30 musicians, 38-foot proscenium, full facility with 51 manual line sets, movable stage electrics, 400 plus ETC fixtures, Varilite and Martin automated lighting, with Eos lighting and Digico audio consoles.
-
Studio theatre, featuring flexible seating for up to 125 audience members, performance lighting and audio with an Ion control desk.
-
Spacious art studios for drawing, graphic design, painting, photography and sculpture.
-
Fully outfitted scene and costume shops.
-
Twenty-eight practice rooms, acoustically treated and isolated; four with Yamaha or Steinway pianos, five specially designed and outfitted for our audio and music production majors.
Awards and Accolades
Design Excellence and Construction Innovation Award from the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI)