Belmont University - The Fisher Center for Performing Arts
ESa
Belmont University - The Fisher Center for Performing Arts
ESa
Awards Category : : Large Project (over 25,000 sf)
A new, world-class performing arts center is the showpiece for Belmont University’s performing arts district.
The third phase of Belmont University’s Performing Arts District, this multi-use theatre features performance and rehearsal space for musical theatre, Broadway-level productions, opera, dance, orchestra and choral musical performances, as well as special events.
Designed in the classical style reflected in many of the campus’ most important buildings, the Performing Arts Center includes a 1700-seat main auditorium, two contiguous recital halls (one for acoustic performances and one with variable acoustics for both amplified and natural acoustic performances), a grand lobby and rehearsal space. The main auditorium will feature a full fly tower, wing space, orchestra pit, two forestage lifts, a trap room under the stage and television broadcast capabilities.
Accommodating approximately 300 people each, the recital halls will host performances, presentations and other functions. When combined with the recital halls, the grand lobby transforms into a 900-seat banquet hall for special events.
Date of Completion: Fall 2021
Client: Belmont University
General Contractor: R.C. Mathews
Consultants:
Hodgson & Douglas - Landscape Architecture
SSR, Inc. - LEED Consultant
IC Thomasson Associates - MEP Engineer
RBA Structural Engineering - Structural Engineering
TRC Worldwide Engineering - Structural Engineering
Photography Credits:
1 - Main Theatre - Photo by Nick Merrick © Hall+Merrick 2021
2 - Day Exterior Front Entrance facing Belmont Avenue - Photo by Nick Merrick © Hall+Merrick 2021
3 - Located on the main level and adjoining the main lobby are two 3500 square foot recital rooms that provide a different acoustical experience.
4 - Designed as a true performing arts, acoustically transparent domed ceiling is fitted with a series of mechanical features that can be deployed to fine-tune the acoustics for specific programs. - Photo by Nick Merrick © Hall+Merrick 2021
5 - The facades are divided into base, middle and top with a honed blue pearl
granite at the base, rockface Indiana buff limestone above, and topped with a smooth coursed Indiana buff. Large expanses of glass lighten the otherwise massive structure, creating a contemporary and inviting facility. - Photo by Nick Merrick © Hall+Merrick 2021
6 - This multi-use theatre features performance and rehearsal space for musical theatre, Broadway level productions, opera, dance, orchestra and choral music performances. - Photo by Nick Merrick © Hall+Merrick 2021
7 - The capitals are adorned with custom iconography depicting
elements common to the Belmont landscape: fountains, honey bees, which are raised by the university and pollinate the wildflowers on the green roofs around campus, maple leaves, and roses. - Photo by Nick Merrick © Hall+Merrick 2021
8 - The three story lobby features a 50 foot ceiling, three chandeliers, and three center lobby windows with a prismatic art glass feature on the interior. - Photo by Nick Merrick © Hall+Merrick 2021
9 - Looking toward the audience from the proscenium stage, the horseshoe shaped balconies are designed with the rear of the horseshoe higher than the sides. This acts as acoustical diffusion at the rear of the house. - Photo by Nick Merrick © Hall+Merrick 2021
10 - Acoustics - Photo by Nick Merrick © Hall+Merrick 2021
11 - Backstage - Photo by Nick Merrick © Hall+Merrick 2021
12 - Orchestra Level - Floor Plan
13- Box Tier Level - Floor Plan
14 - Mezzanine Level - Floor Plan
15 - Balcony - Floor Plan