Shawmut Builds Academic
The Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts at Brown University
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| The newest addition to Shawmut's collection of work completed at Brown University opened for classes in January 2011. In tackling this first-of-its-kind architectural design, a design-assist approach was utilized on the complicated building envelope to integrate the expertise of designers and builders to create an efficient, controlled construction process. By utilizing conventional components in unconventional ways, the project team was able to achieve a customized look while maintaining budget. Shawmut utilized our in-house Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities early in the process, improving plans to avoid coordination issues and streamlining project phasing. Through enhanced planning, communication and coordination, Shawmut and the design team were able to complete the project not only on-time, but under budget. The guiding concept for the design was to bring together faculty and students who would not ordinarily interact, thus creating a customized facility for an interdisciplinary approach. |
Seven departments and programs utilize the new space, leveraging its unique design for entirely new courses, events, and programs. Designed by renowned architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, this new facility features a recital hall, exhibition space, multimedia laboratories, production studios, an outdoor amphitheater, and a state of the art building-wide audio/visual system. There is also a feature stair with cantilevered, extended stair landings that serve as breakout rooms complete with audio/visual. Folded zinc skin panels are used to mimic the elegant impression of a silk scarf draped around a glass box. The Center for the Creative Arts is on track to earn LEED® Gold certification, and includes such sustainable elements as automated exterior blinds and a living green roof. The main building has a transparent "cleave wall," which splits the building in half and is offset by half a level, providing occupants with dual views of adjacent spaces from both above and below. |
“The design was very unique and Shawmut truly brought it to life through instituting a design-assist approach. Shawmut provided a level of professionalism, communication, and commitment to creating the best finished product possible. The Shawmut team's flexibility, ability to react swiftly to changes, and attention to detail is what separates them from other construction managers.”
—Michael Guglielmo
Assistant Director of Project Management Brown University To learn more about this project, contact: Ron Simoneau, Vice President
To find out how Shawmut can build for your academic institution, contact our Academic Group or click here to view more of our Academic work.
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