PERFORMING ARTS
QUALIFICATIONS
Performing Arts
Kohler Ronan has significant expertise in engineering and design services for performing arts venues. Our professionals are keenly aware of the issues most relevant to these facilities. We consider the architectural framework, acoustics, theatrical vision, and desired atmosphere of the space. Driven by these considerations, we carefully select and design systems to perform to the high standards of the arts venue itself. Key components are flexibility, efficiency, and invisibility. Systems must not compromise the architectural or theatrical vision within the space. In this way, the facility can enhance the visitor’s experience by providing a peaceful space in which to listen and visualize — uninterrupted by the impact of engineering.
Lincoln Center
David Geffen Hall
Location New York, New York
Architect Diamond Schmitt Architects, Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects
Services MEP/FP, Energy Analysis
Size 245,000 square feet
Cost $500 million
Completed 2022
Awards 2022-23 Wood Design & Building Awards – Citation; 2023 MASterworks Award for Best Restoration
Designed by Max Abromovitz in 1962, Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall, home to the New York Philharmonic, underwent a transformative renovation. The goal of the renovation was to address several acoustical issues which have long plagued the space, as well as to create a more intimate experience between the audience members and the performers. Kohler Ronan is delighted to have collaborated on this cultural landmark with Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, Diamond Schmitt Architects, and acoustics and theater design consultants Akustiks and Fisher Dachs Associates. For our part, Kohler Ronan looked to enhance the space with a completely redesigned MEP infrastructure and system distribution, which allowed for increased flexibility and versatility.
While the shell of this iconic arts facility remains intact, the interior concert hall, along with its public spaces, have seen much needed infrastructure, acoustic, and aesthetic improvements. Designs for the new David Geffen Hall eliminate the proscenium and move the stage forward by 25 feet, while the main lobby doubles in size and opens on three sides. Additionally, the re-envisioned space incorporates a welcome center, destination eatery, media streaming wall, expanded intermission seating, and reconfigured Grand Promenade. MEP/FP designs included new air-handling equipment and redesigned air distribution. Additionally, extensive CFD analysis was conducted in the main hall for optimizing airflows, acoustics and thermal comfort.
Images: © Michael Moran
Manhattan School of Music
Neidorff-Karpati Hall
Location New York, NY
Architect Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture
Services MEP/FP
Size 30,000 square feet
Cost $15 million
Completed 2018
The Manhattan School of Music is a major music conservatory, rich in both musical and architectural history. Located on the Upper West Side of New York City, and dating back to 1910, a recent renovation to Neidorff-Karpati Hall (formerly Borden Auditorium c.1931) has served to revitalize not only the 650-seat, Art-Deco auditorium, but the entire multi-building campus as well. A new grand entry and central lobby improve circulation while welcoming students and visitors.
For Phase 1 of the renovation, Kohler Ronan designed new MEP/FP systems in support of the renovated lobby, a new stage and orchestra shell, new lighting design, and updated theatrical equipment, in addition to state-of-the-art temperature controls for orchestral and ensemble performances. Phase 2 included a renovation to the lower-level lounge amenity spaces and a new, facility-wide fire alarm system upgrade to meet current building code. Having significantly enhanced the acoustical environment of the space, as well as occupant comfort, the venue is now exceptionally equipped to accommodate a full range of musical genres including symphonic, opera, and ensemble musical performances.
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Images: © Halkin Mason Photography
Hayes Theater
Historic Broadway Theater
Location New York, New York
Architect Rockwell Group
Services MEP/FP
Size 17,000 square feet
Cost $20 million
Completed 2018
In the 1920s, Herbert J. Krapps was commissioned to remodel “The Little Theater” as it was known. The primary focus of the renovations was the creation of the balcony. The hope was that the extra seating would generate additional revenues.
Following the expansion, the curtain continued to rise until The New York Times purchased the theater in 1931. The space was then converted to a conference hall. For some time, the facility also served as a radio and television studio. Personalities such as Dick Clark, Johnny Carson, and Merv Griffin broadcast from the hall. Fortunately for New York theater-goers, the Little Theater returned to its Broadway roots in the early 1980s. Unfortunately, the nearly 600-seat theater had suffered some disrepair.
Some years after participating in a facilities and equipment study, Kohler Ronan was asked back to the heart of Broadway’s Theater District to design MEP/FP systems supporting renovations including substantial upgrades to the MEP/FP infrastructure at the back-ofhouse as well as public and support spaces throughout the theater. The program called for additional restrooms, functional improvements to the back-of-house and public circulation areas, and aesthetic changes to front-of-house areas.
LEED LEED Gold Certified
Images: © Paul Warchol
New Victory Theater
Children’s Theater Public Spaces Renovation
Location New York, New York
Architect H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture
Services MEP/FP
Size 7,000 square feet
Cost Confidential Completed 2017
The New Victory Theater is an off-Broadway theater in midtown Manhattan and is the first and only theater presenting work for children and family audiences year round. The theater underwent a 7,000 GSF renovation of public spaces in order to accommodate the growing number of attendees. The renovation included the box office, upper and lower level lobbies, relocation of the concessions, new restroom fixtures, and upgrades to the entrance of the theater.
Kohler Ronan provided comprehensive MEP/FP engineering designs in support of the renovation of the public spaces and the lobby revitalization of this important cultural institution.
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Images: © Brett Beyer Photography
The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts
Outdoor Performance Venue
Location Westport, Connecticut
Architect Peter Cadoux Architects
Services MEP/FP, Commissioning
Size 1,700 – 2,400 seated capacity
Cost $7 million
Completed 2014
Already a formidable presence in Westport’s summer entertainment scene, the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts hopes to increase its reach both to an increased audience and much sought after talent through the creation of its state-of-the-art, brand new pavilion. If the July 20th grand re-opening with a performance by Jose Feliciano was any indication, the venue is well on its way to continued success.
The much improved pavilion incorporates an outdoor performance venue, open air lawn seating, canopied stage with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, and enclosures for backstage dressing areas, storage and lounge spaces. The entrance to the facility includes a two-level building for concessions as well as indoor restrooms. Additionally, improvements to the park area include lush river walks and picnic groves for pre-concert activities.
Kohler Ronan completed extensive mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection design services for this outdoor performance venue located along the Saugatuck River. We were subsequently engaged a second time to provide comprehensive commissioning services for the venue.
Images: Peter Cadoux Architects
Western Connecticut State University
Visual & Performing Arts Center (VPAC)
Location Danbury, Connecticut
Architect Amenta Emma / Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture
Services
MEP/FP, Sustainable Design
Size 134,000 square feet
Cost $68 million
Completed 2014
LEED LEED Silver Certified Awards AIA Connecticut People’s Choice Award, 2015 | Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute, Design Excellence, 2013
This State of Connecticut project consists of 134,000 square feet. The arts venue incorporates a 350-seat proscenium theater, as well as a 350-seat concert hall and rehearsal studio. Additionally, student workshops, scene shop, dark room, metal shop, and support spaces are included.
Our engineering team explored all means to make this facility the most efficient possible. To this end, energy modeling was utilized to the client’s and the project’s benefit. Additionally, designs were created in accordance with LEED Silver requirements as outlined by the U.S. Green Building Council. Features included low ozone depleting and global warming potential refrigerants. Demand control ventilation, energy recovery plates, displacement ventilation, and thermal ice storage are utilized to create further energy savings. These systems may be monitored via a building dashboard workstation. The facility is a Connecticut High Performance Building.
Completed in the fall of 2014, this state-of-the-art facility has been effectively integrated into the current west side campus infrastructure. Further, it has been fully integrated into the surrounding City of Danbury community.
Images: © Anna Wesolowska/www.photographerhedman.com
László Z. Bitó '60
Conservatory Building
Bard College
Location Annandale–on–Hudson, New York
Architect Deborah Berke & Partners
Services MEP/FP
Size 19,300 square feet
Cost $8 million
Completed 2013
Known in the region for its many music programs, Bard College Conservatory of Music is located in scenic and historic Annandale, New York. Kohler Ronan was pleased to be a part of the design team selected to provide services for new addition to the László Z. Bitó '60 Conservatory Building.
The state-of-the-art addition spans three floors and consists of approximately 19,300 square feet. The program allows for general-use classrooms, faculty offices, practice studios, a student lounge, instrument storage lockers, administrative offices, and a 150-seat recital hall.
Kohler Ronan’s team of engineers provided complete mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection design services in support of the architectural plans for the facility. Uncompromised acoustical performance within the music building’s spaces was of the utmost importance. Our engineers selected the MEP/FP equipment carefully and designed its layout in adherence to stringent acoustical criteria.
An environmentally friendly geothermal system, coupled with water-to-water heat pump systems, serves the air handling equipment. Also incorporated is humidification control for sensitive musical instruments. Students and faculty are now creating beautiful music in the comfort of this beautiful new space.
Images: © Anna Wesolowska/www.photographerhedman.com
New Mexico State University
Center for the Arts
Location Las Cruces, New Mexico
Architect Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture
Services MEP/FP, Sustainable Design
Size 60,000 square feet
Cost $35 million
Completed 2013
Under the direction of the University Architect and the Office of Facilities Planning & Construction, New Mexico State University took steps to update its master plan in 2005. As the university’s vision became more clearly defined, three key elements emerged: Development of the Las Cruces City center, construction of a University Hotel, and creation of a new Arts Complex. The vision was for all three elements work together to revitalize the area surrounding the university, boost the local economy, meet the city’s and the university’s needs for meeting space, and provide an appropriate venue for cultural and performing arts programs.
The Arts Complex itself is a multi-million dollar project. Our engineers and designers worked closely with the architects and the university’s internal facilities & construction staff to make the space exceed expectations. It should be noted that the project must meet additional demands as imposed by the State’s Governor. Per the Governor’s mandate, the state-funded, new arts facility is required to deliver an energy performance standard of one-half the average energy consumption for that building type, as defined by the US Department of Energy.
The new space includes a theater, dressing rooms, art gallery, studios, and classrooms for dance, music, performing, visual, and even digital arts. The modern Arts Complex is a fitting addition to NMSU, which is rich in history and the designs of Southwestern architect Henry C. Trost.
LEED LEED Gold Certified
Images: © Anna Wesolowska/www.photographerhedman.com
Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC)
Community Performing Arts Venue
Location Bowling Green, Kentucky
Architect Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture
Services
MEP/FP, Sustainable Design
Size 70,000+ square feet
Cost $21 million
Completed 2011
LEED LEED Silver Certified Awards Associated General Contractors of Kentucky, 2012 Building Kentucky Award
Kohler Ronan provided engineering and design services for an extraordinary performing arts venue located in a historic downtown district. The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center incorporates an 1,800-seat proscenium theater, rehearsal hall, dance studio, music practice rooms, and community accessible classrooms. The facility is quickly becoming the region’s premier cultural institution.
Our team of professional engineers designed mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems for this impressive space. Our work was coordinated with acoustical and lighting consultants to address the key issues for performing arts venues. As always, our systems strive to incorporate flexibility, efficiency, and invisibility.
Sustainable design elements such as natural ventilation and the use of louvers were also implemented for this project. Substantial energy analysis and building information modeling (including extensive CFD studies) were performed to maximize performance and efficiency.
Images: © Tom Kessler Photography
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