Much like musical instruments, music facilities on college and university campuses need to be re-tuned from time to time. Program expansions may call for additions, for example, or innovative pedagogies could suggest new classroom layouts. Even historic halls with lauded acoustics require occasional technology improvements and restroom upgrades.
Whether you’re renovating an existing facility or planning a new building for music instruction and education, starting with clear goals is essential to success. Ask yourself: What are your institution’s current challenges and future aspirations? Are enrollments projected to rise, fall, or remain level within each area of your program—and how will the design of your space address unexpected fluctuations?
The answers will vary by institution, but HGA’s design team—with more than seven decades of experience in the design of music halls—has found that the central questions remain essentially the same. To shed light on answers that lead to outstanding outcomes for clients, we begin each engagement with these questions:
What are your goals?
Good design begins with a deep dive into the client’s priorities and problems. Many departments want to consolidate activities that are spread across campus, pulling them into a single location to maximize efficiency. Other departments hope to expand square footage to accommodate growing enrollments or new programmatic needs. Often, music programs wish to add recital or concert halls custom-built for music performance. Sometimes, secondary goals can drive a project: trustees may want to fund a music building that can serve as a campus landmark, creating buzz and visual interest that drives wider enthusiasm for the institution.
How will your programming evolve?
To accommodate changing curriculums and shifting enrollments, music buildings need to be adaptable. Our designers use data from the past and present to anticipate future changes. Which courses have seen the greatest growth? What ensembles draw the largest audiences? Where has technology or storage come up short—and how can the design of your future facility ensure similar problems don’t crop up again? Some HGA clients are interested in providing music students with business skills, positioning them to be entrepreneurs. Thoughtful design requires a clear-eyed understanding of where your program currently stands—and where it’s going.
Does your program share space?
Some music programs have their own facilities, while others share space with other performing-arts programs, like dance, theatre, and even the visual arts. Because each of these disciplines has some distinct programmatic needs, designing facilities that can serve not only musicians but also other artists requires both care and compromise. Determining how often facilities will be shared is a critical matter in planning for a new or renovated music facility.
What kind of acoustical considerations are required?
Many older music buildings were designed without consideration for acoustics—particularly in classrooms, practice rooms, and common areas. But the acoustical needs of a wind ensemble compared, say, to a jazz ensemble differ considerably. Sometimes, innovative design can allow for acoustical adjustments within a space, reducing overall square footage needs. Safety can also be a concern, given how long-term exposure to high-volume sound can result in hearing loss. HGA’s design team works closely with acoustical consultants to provide spaces that enhance overall sound.
What kind of mechanical systems are necessary?
Many instruments are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, and retuning and repairing them can be costly. Mechanical systems that control temperature and humidity are critical to the success of any music building, and HGA’s team carefully reviews its designs to ensure that such mechanical systems are both quiet and aesthetically unimposing. Environmental comfort, too, is an important consideration in music facilities, as students may remain in the building between classes, rehearsals, and other activities.
How could technology change your program?
From sound systems to wireless streaming, technology is increasingly a part of music education, music instruction, and music-making. Students need to record auditions—both audio and video—and virtual learning is a growing component of music curriculums, with faculty offering online courses and instruction to students in ways that were once unimaginable.
How will your facility address sustainability concerns?
Waste recycling, energy consumption, and water usage are all key components of sustainability—and such issues factor into HGA’s designs for every building. But building reuse is another facet of sustainable practice, and many of the music facilities we design for higher ed involve renovating old facilities or adapting old buildings for new uses. This often reduces overall financial investment and lessens the amount of construction waste sent to landfills.
The discussions that spring from these key questions shed light on important goals and needs. More important, they lead to deeper conversations about the specific needs of each institution. The result? Designs for music facilities that blend beautiful aesthetics and optimal function in perfect harmony. ∎
To learn more about how HGA can help you deliver a performing arts facility for the next generation of students, please contact Amy Braford Whittey, National Arts Market Strategist, at abrafordwhittey@hga.com
About the Authors
Nancy Blankfard
Recognized for her expertise and commitment to design excellence, Nancy is a skillful collaborator, adept at instilling a sense of place in her designs. With over 25 years of experience on a variety of cultural, arts and community projects, her work engages users in novel ways and inspires healthy, vibrant communities.
Steven Dwyer
Steven Dwyer, FAIA, has developed a national reputation for thoughtful, client-focused design, and his work has earned numerous awards. He originally studied music performance and played professionally before beginning his studies in architecture.