| Inspired by music, the new MPR is envisioned as a musical instrument that distributes sound. The building celebrates music, connects to the overall campus context, and builds connections between programs to stimulate students’ passion for learning. The design creates a strong sense of place and establishes the MPR as the heart of the campus. Its placement honors the local environment and protects as many of the surrounding mature trees as possible. Spaces are designed to be flexible, agile, and adaptable for a variety of uses. The MPR is open for both school and community events, so the design considers after hours and weekend use. With full-panel windows on the first and second story, the building also acts as a lantern to the community after hours and during evening events.
Since the beginning, energy efficiency was an important component to the design. We first looked at passive strategies that prioritized working with the environment and then investigated renewables. The design works with the sun to maximize envelope efficiency and bring daylight into the learning environment. Interior window shades allow the space to transform in less than a minute from a light filled MPR to a light controlled space for performances. We used early studies and software to test and orchestrate daylight patterns to achieve good daylight autonomy while also reducing glare. The high roof is free from equipment which allows for full use of photovoltaics to make the building even more efficient.
The MPR will function as well as a performing arts venue as it does as a multi-purpose room and is designed to be timeless, so materials are durable, informed, and sustainable. Sliding walls and partitions allow the building to flex to reconfigure spaces at will and to connect to outdoor learning opportunities. All materials have been researched for compliance, and in most cases exceed sustainability targets thereby reducing environmental impacts. The simple and durable pallet responds to the existing context and will enable this building to stand the test of time and prepare for future use.
It is important that the MPR be a safe and secure place on campus that blends the indoor and outdoor environment and features great acoustics. The location is highly visible on campus and visual barriers are minimized. Daylight is orchestrated to flow through the building and sliding wall panels encourage the flow of fresh air. Acoustical deck and sound absorbing wall panels will allow this space to be an acoustically tuned performance space perfect for any type of event.
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