SCUP/AIA-CAE Excellence in Architecture Addition or Renovation,
Merit Award

University of Pennsylvania for The Music Building with Ann Beha Architects

Photo by David Lamb

Photo by David Lamb

Click on image above to view larger image

The renovation and expansion of the University of Pennsylvania Music Building consolidates academic resources for the School of Arts and Sciences’ Music Department, restores the existing 19th century landmark, and provides new academic facilities for faculty, undergraduate and graduate students.

Renovations addressed issues of poor acoustics; expanded programmatic needs; compliance with building, life safety, and accessibility codes; structural and building system upgrades; university, city, and state restoration requirements.

This project revitalized the building, introduced new state-of-the-art teaching and rehearsal spaces, and provided new student and faculty gathering spaces in the addition and landscape.

The jury said, “ . . . the scale and how it relates to the neighborhood feels right . . .”

Extensive renovations in the historic building met the practical demands of instruction and research and preserved the building’s historic character. Commitment to the restoration is evident in the careful cleaning and restoration of the brick, terra cotta, and bluestone. It resulted in a vibrantly colored structure that represents the original architects’ design intent, and matches the colored brick and terra cotta façades of the adjacent buildings. The addition is compatible with the existing building, but distinguishes itself as a product of its own era.

“The final design solution is exemplary in its care of an existing landmark, while adding a contextually appropriate yet unmistaken building of today,” says David Hollenberg, university architect. “By all accounts, the music building restoration and addition has met and exceeded all of the university’s expectations,” he adds.

The building connects the music building to the university’s network of open spaces and gardens and sets the stage for the campus growth to the east. It integrates multiple sustainable design elements and is the first LEED Gold building.

Project Team: University of Pennsylvania with Ann Beha Architects; also Daniel J. Keating Company; Keast & Hood Co.; AHA Consulting Engineers; Stephen Stimson Associates; Hunt Engineering Company; Kirkegaard Associates; Building Conservation Associates; Ripman Lighting Consultants; Kalin Associates Inc.; Wojciechowski Design; VDA (Van Deusen & Associates); The McGee Company