Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Harvard University Breaks Ground on New Performance Venue

  • By Matt Jones
  • 09/18/24

Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., recently announced that construction has begun on a new performing arts center for the campus, according to a news release. The David E. and Stacey L. Goel Center for Creativity & Performance will serve as the new home for the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.), as well as a wide variety of performances, public gatherings, teaching opportunities, and international research.

The university partnered with Haworth Tompkins as the architect and design lead, ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge as the architect of record, and Shawmut Design and Construction as the project’s construction manager.

“We are honored to be leading the construction of the David E. and Stacey L. Goel Center for Creativity & Performance,” said Kevin Sullivan, the Shawmut New England region’s executive vice president. “This project exemplifies our deep commitment to the community. By prioritizing environmental sustainability and adaptable design, we are building a vibrant hub for creativity and connection that will serve the local area for years to come. Our shared goal of minimizing embodied and operational carbon, maximizing wellbeing, and enhancing resiliency ensures that this center will not only be a beacon for the arts but also a pioneering global model for sustainable construction.”

The facility will include interconnected and adaptable multi-use spaces to support creativity. It will feature two performance venues: the West Stage for large-scale productions and the East Stage for smaller ones. Other amenities will include naturally lit rehearsal studios and teaching spaces, a large public lobby, an outdoor performance space, dressing rooms and technical shops, administrative offices, and a café, the news release reports.

From a sustainability perspective, the building’s water and electric utilities will be supplied by the university’s new, lower-carbon District Energy Facility. It will also use rooftop solar panels and natural ventilation to reduce energy use, while a green roof and extensive landscaping will help with stormwater attenuation.

Construction has an estimated completion date of 2026, according to the news release.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Wisconsin District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The School District of La Crosse in La Crosse, Wis., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff of two existing schools, according to local news. Funding for the school comes from a $53-million referendum approved in 2024.

  • University of Oklahoma Announces New Campus Master Plan

    The University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., recently announced that it will soon launch a new, comprehensive Campus Master Plan to guide the campus’ physical development during the next decade, according to a news release.

  • Full Sail University Announces First Student Housing Facility

    Full Sail University in Winter Park, Fla., recently announced that development has begun on its first student housing community, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Nvision Development for construction and long-term management of the facility, which will stand five stories and have the capacity for more than 570 beds.

  • University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Launches New Emergency Communications System

    The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) recently deployed a new emergency notification and incident management system for its campus, according to a news release. The university partnered with 911Cellular to launch Safe@UTC, a smartphone app allowing university officials to communicate and respond during emergency situations.