University of Maryland College Park, The Clarice Performing Arts Center
Henry Adams provided MEP design services for the Clarice Performing Arts Center situated on the campus of the University of Maryland at College Park. The arts facility is a 3-story, 318,000 SF complex of connecting buildings which serves as a magnet for performing artists, students and professional actors. The facility was built by the State of Maryland's Department of General Services.
This project won three awards: the ACEC/MD Grand Award, the ACEC National Merit Award, and the Engineering Society of Baltimore Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award.
The design features an arcade with performing halls on each side, as if on a winding path, linking the lobbies and teaching areas. The center includes five theaters ranging in size from a 1,200-seat concert hall to a 650-seat proscenium theater to a 200-seat dance hall. It also includes studios, classrooms, a music library, practice rooms, control room, conference rooms, food service kitchen, offices, dressing rooms, lobby and ticket booth. This state-of-the-art performing arts center involved the coordinated effort of the architect and engineers as well as theater, acoustics, food service, telecommunications, and lighting consultants.
Mechanical systems are based on the DGS procedure for evaluation of system alternatives. Systems include energy-saving features such as low temperature air and energy recovery wheels. The building is provided with chilled and heating water from a central plant and uses DDC controls tied into the campus energy management system. The system design was carefully coordinated with the acoustical criteria and includes sound attenuation devices; low velocity ductwork, grilles, and diffusers; and self-balancing air system layout. The complex also includes an emergency generator, addressable fire alarm system, and sub-metering of electric power. The facility is fully sprinklered with special consideration to areas containing easily damaged material such as the music library. The building is accessible to the handicapped and meet ADA requirements.
Additional Information:
| Location | College Park, MD |
| Construction Value | $120,000,000 |
| Owner | University of Maryland, College Park |
| Architect | Ayers Saint Gross & Moore Ruble Yudell |