Lewis Center for the Arts

A contemporary center to inspire students in their journey of creative self-discovery through the arts.

Information

Location Princeton, New Jersey
Size 145,000 SF
Completion 2017
Services Architecture
Project Type Performing Arts

Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts is a new facility that houses performance and teaching spaces for the programs in Theater and Dance, the Department of Music, and the Fellows in the Creative and Performing Arts. The 139,000-square-foot complex consists of three contemporary buildings designed around a courtyard. The buildings share a common reception area and house several public spaces, including an art gallery, a black box theater, a dance studio, and a music rehearsal room. The three-story building includes a two-story, 3,500 SF, acoustically isolated Instrumental Rehearsal Room with soaring 30-foot ceilings, a flexible seating configuration allowing for performances, and equipment for professional-quality audio recordings. The space’s adjustable acoustics accommodates diverse musical groups within the program. The complex also houses faculty and administrative offices, and a box office. BNIM worked in collaboration with Architect Steven Holl Architects.

Impact + Innovation

The Lewis Center for the Arts is a physical representation of the uniting of creative forces of Princeton’s performing arts programs, dedicated to the belief that the arts lift the human spirit. The building is filled with spaces that support human wellness and create a beautiful and inviting framework for collaboration, new synergies, and thoughtfully crafted connections for the creation of music and art. Princeton’s policy was not to simply pursue LEED, but to go beyond LEED and focus on maximum carbon reduction throughout the design, construction, and operation of the facility. To achieve this goal integrated, the following sustainable features were included: geothermal heating and cooling; green roofs; improved exterior envelope performance (beyond the ASHRAE baseline); radiant heating and cooling; and passive design strategies of natural light, natural ventilation, and thermal mass. In furthering environmental stewardship goals, sustainable material selection and construction management practices were also key components of the building project.

Process

The design of the building complex presented many challenges that included campus location and visibility (gateway), technical (acoustics and performance systems), merging of program space for end users, constructability and building systems, size of stakeholder group, and revisions of university standards. In response, the design team worked closely with university stakeholders to implement strong and lasting solutions in support of the project’s values and aspirations. BNIM strongly practiced that idea that “no one knows as much as everyone,” and developed solutions for challenges by utilizing a problem-solving approach that aimed to support the project and Princeton University. Our team’s key processes included merging of design concept to technical/constructible solutions, supporting the University’s efforts for LEED Certification, and integrating BIM processes/standards (design, construction, occupancy).

People

Team

Casey Cassias
Greg Sheldon
Sarah Murphy
Elvis Achelpohl
Sarah Hirsch
Janell Rock
Jeremy Knoll
Ishita Banerjee
Joe Keal
Sebren Ryan Camp
Jeremy Nelson
Kristin Long
Janelle Kimsey
Rick Schladweiler
Emily Thompson
Kyle Rogler
Vanessa Douthat
Kara Bouillette
Brian McKinney
Barbara Cugno

Client

Princeton University

Collaborators

Steven Holl Architects

BNlM’s leadership has been critical to the success of this project. We have been greatly impressed by the depth of their staff at all levels, whether related to design or technology, building codes, sustainability, envelope detailing, waterproofing or specifications. Their goal has been to make the finished product the best it can be, consistent with our budget. BNIM is a valued team member, willing to listen closely, to offer their professional advice, to be patient, and to lead.

Jane Curry, AIA, LEED AP, Sr. Project Manager, Princeton University, Office of Design and Construction