Awards
- 2018 Engineering News Record New England, Award of Merit (Higher Education/Research)
Multiple performance spaces, practice halls, library, and student residence tower in a vibrant new setting
Founded in 1867, New England Conservatory of Music is the oldest independent school of music in the United States. It is also a National Historic Landmark. The Conservatory is recognized internationally as a leader among music schools and boasts a student body representing more than 40 countries. The new Student Life and Performance Center (SLPC), Phase I of a two-building design, creates a vibrant new setting for the academic and community life of NEC. The SLPC offers orchestra and jazz rehearsal rooms, a black box opera workshop, the NEC library, 250 residential rooms, a dining commons, and gathering spaces. It presents a new image for NEC on Boston’s Avenue of the Arts.
Dedicated air-handling systems were carefully designed with consideration for noise levels in acoustically critical performance spaces. HVAC systems include independent central heating and cooling plants. Both systems were designed with primary variable flow water distribution systems. Student residences are served by dedicated fan-coil units with high-efficiency ECM motors and central ventilation air handling systems utilizing exhaust air energy recovery. Air handling systems for all non-dormitory spaces include an air-side economizer. To conserve energy, occupancy, vacancy, and daylight-sensing controls were provided for lighting systems.
