Maine college integrates new multipurpose arts facility in center of town

by tanya_martins | April 15, 2024 4:07 pm

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A new facility named The Paul J. Schupf Art Center was unveiled by Susan T. Rodriguez Architecture and Design (STR) at Colby College in Maine.

Home to local arts collective Waterville Creates, the 2,601 m² (28,000 sf) center functions as a multi-purpose venue for performing and visual arts, and film. Situated off-campus in the town proper, the facility also houses the Colby College Museum of Art’s extensive collection.

“It really is a collaborative effort between Colby and the local arts community. It was so important for Schupf Arts to have a sense of generosity. We wanted this to be like a living room for downtown,” says STR founder, Susan T. Rodriguez.

STR collaborated with architects of record, Opal Architecture to design a welcoming hub for arts education and cultural endeavors by utilizing industrial materials such as brick, concrete, steel, and corrugated metal throughout the facility.

Project design aspects of the center include a glass facade overlooking green space, a double-height atrium, three theaters, an outdoor square, and an enclosed glass pedestrian skywalk which connects the venue with the historic Waterville Opera house.

Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/maine-college-integrates-new-arts-facility-in-center-of-town/

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