Higher Education, Theatre + Performing Arts

Eastern Connecticut State University

Fine Arts Instructional Center

Architect
SLAM with William Rawn Associates Architects
Location
Willimantic, Connecticut
Size
118,000 SF
Sustainability
LEED Silver 2018
Completed
2016
Download Project Sheet
© Tom Hurlbutt/Courtesy of ECSU
© Tom Hurlbutt/Courtesy of ECSU
© Tom Hurlbutt/Courtesy of ECSU

Awards

  • 2017 Excellence in Architecture for a New Building, SCUP/AIA-CAE

A new home for the visual and performing arts departments.

Founded in 1889, Eastern Connecticut State University is the second oldest public university in Connecticut. The new Fine Arts Instructional Center serves as home to the visual and performing arts departments. It includes a 400-seat multipurpose concert hall, 250-seat proscenium theatre, and 125-seat studio theatre, along with instructional classrooms, multiple studios, and art gallery. Spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art AV equipment, professional theatre lighting and sound systems, and other modern arts-related technology.

Altieri’s work involved comprehensive systems design to state-of-the-art standards. Mechanical cooling systems include water cooled chillers with variable primary pumping. Mechanical heating systems include condensing boilers. Airside systems include variable air volume reheat for general space, and 100% outside air systems for visual arts spaces. A 4.8 kV primary electrical service feeds a main distribution with fire pump tap section and electric sub-metering. A fuel oil generator provides back-up power to life safety loads. LED lighting is provided throughout the building, including theatrical spaces.

Images © Tom Hurlbutt/Courtesy of ECSU

Images © Tom Hurlbutt/Courtesy of ECSU