Providence, RI – Shawmut Design and Construction recently announced the completion of the Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts, the newest academic building to be constructed on the campus of Brown University in Providence, RI. Visualized by architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts is a five story, 35,000 square foot post-tensioned concrete building which features a first of its kind architectural design.
“This is truly a revolutionary, one of a kind building,” said William Hughes, President and COO of Shawmut Design and Construction. “There is not another building like the Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts in existence. We hope it will serve as a shining example of what’s possible in both the academic and construction communities.”
The Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts, located at 154 Angell Street in the heart of the Brown University campus, features three key design elements to help foster Brown University’s goal of interdisciplinary learning among multiple academic departments. The building features a unique, pleated zinc skin exterior designed to mimic the elegant folds of a silk scarf wrapped around a glass box. The interior showcases a transparent glass “cleave wall” which divides the building in half. Because the floors are off-set by half a level, occupants can observe the activities taking place on other levels. And, just off the main staircase – which appears as though it is floating – there are “living room” landings on each level that serve as common gathering spots for discussion.
All three design elements were conceptualized to advance research, learning, and production across the boundaries of individual academic disciplines. For example, the extensive use of glass walls allows each space a vast, unobstructed view of other production areas throughout the building so students can watch the manner in which other students learn. The “living room” landings, equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual systems, are designed to encourage interaction and collaboration among students from different fields.
The Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts is on track to earn a gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Green Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. Among the “green” elements included in the design is a living green roof.
The Granoff Center was constructed in 17 months. Because Shawmut Design and Construction utilized a design-assist approach to the project, the Company was able to finish the project not only on-time, but under budget.
“Even though a building of this concept had never been attempted, Shawmut Design and Construction recognized the challenges it would pose before ground was ever broken,” Ron Simoneau, a Sr. Vice President who oversees Rhode Island operations, said. “By using the design-assist approach, Shawmut Design and Construction was able to work closely with Diller Scofidio + Renfro to ensure their original vision could be brought to life – while staying on budget – by solving many construction complications before work even began.”
The Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts also features an outdoor amphitheater, state-of-the-art auditorium, artist gallery, wood shop, electrical shop, recording studio and media lab. Brown University began holding classes in the Granoff Center in January 2011.
