| The Renaissance Block of the Arts project serves a dual purpose—to provide space for instruction and to bring the community downtown to enjoy the arts. Blending these two purposes in an urban environment became the hallmark of this project. Each building in the Renaissance Block of the Arts serves an instructional program while expressing its purpose to the community on its exterior appearance. The buildings are true to their function and work together cohesively through the use of key architectural elements such as datum lines, signature materials and unifying landscape. Each building features a vertical expression that calls attention to the entries, blends solid and transparent materials and has a 10-foot pedestrian scale line “base” to bring visual consistency and flow to the block. Historical building massing and proportions are retained in the “transitional façade” creating a link between old (CSJCL) and new (CAADO). The CAADO building serves as a corner anchor for the entire block and features a “high point” roof form of “urban scale” dimensions. This element consists of an angled sunshade canopy that protects the roof top deck from the strong desert sun. The roof top deck is located at the center and high point of the block offering views of the urban environment and creating a focal point with night-time events.
Each building in the Renaissance Block of the Arts provides inviting places and venues for students, residents, visitors and patrons. The CSJCL includes art displays and interactive didactics, a secure art storage space, a digital media and spaces for a Kid’s Education Zone, scholarly research and meeting rooms. The CAADO building features a street level restaurant and demonstration kitchen along with the roof top deck for special events and performances that will give students a practical experience and allow the community to host a special event or to enjoy a meal before attending a performance. In addition to a 450-seat music concert hall, the CSMA building will include classrooms, practice rooms, a choral room, band room, orchestra room, a piano lab, and a state-of-the-art recording studio. The District’s commitment to arts, culture and history through the vision of the Renaissance Block of the Arts will solidify downtown Riverside’s place as an urban center for activity, creativity and lifelong learning.
Sustainability
The use of sun-protected transparent materials throughout the block maximizes the harvesting of natural light and enables students and the community to easily find their destination. In addition to the adaptive reuse of a historical structure for CSJCL, the two main buildings (CAADO and CSMA) are targeting LEED Silver Certification. Sustainable features include:
• Adaptive reuse
• Vegetated and cool roofs
• 25% Average performance increase above Title 24
• Parking spaces for alternative fuel vehicles
• Building with local materials and products with recycled content
• High efficiency plumbing fixtures and HVAC systems
• Energy efficient light fixtures
• Natural day-lighting with controls and occupancy sensors
• Areas for the storage and collection of recyclables
• 75% Construction Waste diversion to recycling centers
• Low/zero VOC materials
• Educational/Sustainable Signage Program
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