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Performing Arts And Humanities Center At UMBC

Baltimore County, Maryland

client

University of Maryland, Baltimore

size

176,000 sf

certification

LEED Gold

type

New Construction

partner

William Rawn Associates

You can’t miss it, it’s a show stopper! Known on campus as “the PAHB,” the Performing Arts and Humanities Building at the University of Maryland Baltimore County makes quite a statement from almost every angle — the sun-reflecting, stainless-steel-wrapped Concert Hall; the glass-enclosed dance space called The Cube jutting from the structure; views of the downtown Baltimore skyline from upper floors.

Throughout the building, emphasis is placed on defining each department’s unique space while encouraging interdisciplinary thought and discussion. Every department has a presence on the main circulation spine and students are encourage to mix it up.

This acclaimed, LEED Gold Certified building is designed to enhance UMBC’s teaching, research, and public outreach, and to heighten the visibility of the arts and humanities as major components of campus and community life.

The PAHB houses numerous state-of-the-art venues, including a Proscenium Theatre, Black Box, Concert Hall, Dance Studio, Scene Shop, and many other studios and rehearsal spaces. Academic areas include informal learning environments, lecture spaces, flexible classrooms, and administrative areas.

Interdisciplinary Approach: Distinct visual identity of the Humanities and Arts programs is achieved through composition, material selection, and form. The brick Humanities volume serves as the building’s connecting spine, organizing the organic, stainless steel, metal-clad Performing Arts venues. The Concert Hall and Proscenium Theatre flank either end of the Humanities corridor, their curves designed to welcome visitors and provide community gathering points. The all-glass dance Cube, adjacent to the Concert Hall, cantilevers over the second floor entrance, serving as a marquee to showcase the dance department.

This vision was realized by the intensive collaboration with the architect using their ability to marry performance venue design excellence with a highly innovative and collaborative educational mission.

Director of Design and Construction, UMBC

Closing Thoughts

Providing a focal point for the University of Maryland’s Baltimore County Honors College campus, the Performing Arts and Humanities Building reflects the school’s commitment to interdisciplinary interaction, as well as excellence in individual specialties.

Awards

Design Excellence Award

AIA Baltimore

Honor Award

AIA Potomac Valley

Excellence in Concrete Award

Maryland Chapter of American Concrete Institute

Craftsmanship Award

Building Congress & Exchange

Brick in Architecture Award

Brick Industry Association

Baltimore Wavemaker Award

Urban Land Institute (ULI)