Theatre Projects programed and designed the building's performing arts and support spaces and provided concept design, theatre planning, and theatre equipment design and specification for the $131m project, which is the second building to open under UMass Boston's Master Plan.
In 2009 The University of Massachusetts Boston released their 25-year master plan, which laid out a series of objectives to transform the 1970s campus into a more sustainable, efficient, and attractive environment. Most prominent among those was the need to foster a more student-centred campus and engage in new ways with the surrounding community.
That vision moved one step closer toward realization with the phased opening of the new University Hall which features more than 25 classrooms, visual arts studios, laboratories, offices, and versatile, dynamic performing arts spaces including a recital hall and flexible studio theatre.
On University Hall's first floor, an intimate, sunlit, and acoustically adaptable recital hall offers a picturesque setting for choral and acoustic performances as well as a versatile space for a variety of university and community events. At the room's north end, a short stage curves out toward the audience. Behind the stage, a large glass wall lets in sunlight, illuminating the room.
Warm wood finishes on the seats, walls, and ceiling create an inviting atmosphere and a modest seat count of 172 lends to the venue's intimacy and fosters dynamic and impactful musical performances.
Flexibility of the room's tone was achieved through installation of acoustic reflectors on the ceiling, articulated acoustic panelling, and acoustic banners and travellers along the walls. In addition to the room's inviting nature and acoustic flexibility, the venue's state-of-the-art lighting and audio systems make it an exceptional performance environment.
For UMass Boston's Theatre Arts Programme, Theatre Projects designed University Hall's studio theatre as an ideal venue for student-led performances and comprehensive performing arts education. The 200-seat theatre can be arranged in a number of configurations including thrust, end stage, arena, proscenium, or flat floor, and the room features a tension wire grid above technical ledges, and state-of-the-art audio and lighting systems. The flexible studio will be home to performing arts classes, university events, the theatre programme's mainstage productions, and the Performing Arts Department's annual spring dance concert.
In addition to being highly accessible, University Hall is also highly sustainable. UMass Boston is aiming for LEED Silver Certification. Both the recital hall and studio theatre feature all-LED performance lighting-one of the many innovative technologies that contribute to their application.
Some of the best views of Boston Harbour that University Hall has to offer can be seen from the dance studio on the building's s fourth floor. The studio features sprung floors, pipe grid, walk-along curtains and an immense glass wall overlooking the water.
In addition to the studio, recital hall and studio theatre, University Hall offers a rich array of support spaces, including a 500-seat general purpose auditorium, acting studio, rehearsal rooms, music studio, practice rooms, scene shop, costume shop, dressing rooms, and green room. "The new spaces are perfect for UMass Boston," Theatre Projects' project manager, David H. Rosenburg, said. "They're the ideal size for the university, and they will make students feel right at home."
(Jim Evans)
