The Wolfe Center for the Arts provides a unique opportunity to combine a diverse range of related programs into one facility for students and faculty alike. High value was placed on creating an open design, encouraging the breaking down of barriers that might otherwise have existed between various interests.

Visitors to the 98,000 SF Wolfe Center are greeted by a large, open, two-story space at the main entrance. The lobby is sunlit and spacious, and is open to the lounges, classrooms and studios on the second floor. The concrete stair, which creates a strong presence in the space, was also designed to provide seating for lectures or performances.

The Donnell Theatre, which seats over 400, is situated at the heart of the Center and can be used for a wide range of performances. Incorporating fixed seating, a full stage house and an orchestra pit, the high quality room is designed in the style of the Broadway halls of New York and London. A great deal of emphasis was placed on its functionality in order to meet the highest
contemporary criteria for a theatre of this kind, including an adjustable proscenium and tunable acoustics.

In addition to the Donnell Theatre, the arts complex also houses an actor’s theatre, choral music hall,
classrooms, scene shop, costume shop, rehearsal rooms, digital production labs and music and dance studios.

The Center was also designed to incorporate many sustainable
features. With low-flow plumbing fixtures, high-performance glazing, a reflective roof and low-emitting materials, the Wolfe Center not only looks to enhance the BGSU experience, but also minimize its impact on the environment.

The Collaborative as Architect of Record, in conjunction with Snøhetta Design Architects, developed the program and design for the Wolfe Center.