The new Leonard & Claire Tow Center for the Performing Arts is an iconic presence at the intersection of Campus Road and Hillel Place, serving as a new gateway to Brooklyn College. The 30-foot-high portal, highly transparent façade and interplay of brick, metal and glass symbolize not only the evolution of the arts at Brooklyn College, but also the transformative relationship between campus and community.
The Center replaces Gershwin Hall, an early 1950’s brick building, that, with its large blank walls, turned its back on the neighborhood. Demolishing this outdated facility provided the architects the opportunity to both create contemporary, acoustically superb spaces for music and theater, as well as to establish a new, welcoming entrance to the campus.
The Center’s focal point is a 225-seat multipurpose venue, which incorporates the existing stage house of the Gershwin Theater. By introducing variable acoustics, creating an acoustical shell that “flies” into place, and providing a stage extension with seating lifts, the venue can quickly transform from a proscenium theater to a classically shaped concert hall, excelling in meeting the needs of both music and theater. On the second level of the building is a 30-foot-high orchestra rehearsal room that doubles as a performance space and a campus-wide event space.
Working closely with faculty, administrators and facility representatives, the architects created a facility that contributes to the life of the campus, transforms the interface between the College and its neighbors and meets the needs of music and theater now and into the future.
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