Education

Acentech Completes Acoustical Design for UMass Lowell’s University Crossing Student Engagement Center

UMass Lowell University Crossing (C) Paul Warchol Photography (2) rsz

View from above. UMass Lowell University Crossing / Paul Warchol Photography

Lowell, MA – Acentech, a multidisciplinary acoustics, audiovisual systems design, and vibration consulting firm in Cambridge, has completed architectural acoustics and mechanical system noise and vibration control consulting for the new University Crossing student engagement center at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. A vibrant space for the campus and city of Lowell community, University Crossing is the new hub connecting UMass Lowell’s North campus with the south and east campuses across the Merrimack River.

For UMass Lowell students, the 230,000sf University Crossing student engagement center centralizes student life functions for three campuses and houses student clubs and organizations, retail dining and food service, meeting and conference space, lounge and bookstore, university police, parking, and other student and administrative services. Designed by Perkins+Will to achieve LEED Silver certification, the cutting-edge sustainable and contemporary design of University Crossing features a four-story glass front, a light-filled atrium, and views of the Merrimack River. The center combines the reuse and renovation of a previous hospital on the site with the design of 145,000sf of new construction.

Interior of UMass Lowell University Crossing (C) Paul Warchol Photography

Interior of University Crossing / Paul Warchol Photography

A sculptural latticework installation that extends from the floor to the ceiling of the atrium, known as “The Lantern,” is a dramatic series of wooden panels that help to diffuse sound and provide a contrast to the glass façade on the opposite side of the atrium.

In addition to the atrium, Acentech assisted the design team in other acoustical concerns such as sound isolation between the various offices and meeting rooms, room acoustics of the multipurpose room and the conference rooms, and a noise and vibration assessment of the mechanical systems that support this building.