Bezanson Recital Hall

Fine Arts CenterUMass Amherst

Amherst, MA 

 

Peter Turowski, AIA while with Margo Jones Architects

General Contractor:  Whiteway Construction

Completed: 2002 

 

Renovation and lobby addition to an existing recital hall for the Department of Music and Dance.

Constructed in 1972 in the Brutalist style, the concrete aesthetic of the Fine Arts Building was always at odds with the quality of performances by faculty, students, and guest artists being offered in this venue.  The design brought rich finishes to the interior, and improved lighting and acoustical quality.  It also increased accessibility, and expanded a lobby to nearly 3 times the original size.  All was accomplished with a 5 seat reduction in capacity.