Social Documentary Film is a graduate program that gives students the opportunity to find and capture important stories that speak to varied audiences on subjects of public concern that can change how we view our world.
In keeping with the innovative nature of the Department, Spacesmith developed a design that utilized its core to house the technology driven program spaces and surround them with circulation, classrooms, support, faculty and open break-out areas. The central space contains a 48 seat auditorium where documentary films are screened and presentations made. Editing suites behind the auditorium house the latest in digital editing technology.
Spacesmith sought to balance the closed nature of these program spaces with an open, light environment augmented by high ceilings, bamboo wood accented walls, documentary wall graphics and seated banquette areas.
The design solution for Social Documentary Film establishes a link between the NYC street-life and the Department’s activities. Two circulation corridors carve through the Department’s operating spaces. The program functions transition from public spaces in the front towards private student spaces in the back. Facing the street, a new SVA logo is carved into bamboo slats to highlight the Department’s most public façade. The private spaces in the back include a student lounge with conference space and an open pantry. Large scale graphic posters stretch the width of the back wall. Visible from the street, they bring to life the College’s primary functions and activate the view down the main corridors.
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Social Documentary Department, School of Visual Arts