The overall goal of the Paul D. Wachholz College Center was to meld two programs that are usually separate—performing arts and athletics—into one facility. The project theme: Music in Motion.
The performing arts portion of the College Center features McClaren Hall, a 1,000-plus-seat performing arts center with state-of-the-art acoustics and the flexibility to accommodate concerts, lectures, dance performances, and musical theater productions. Additional music classrooms and individual practice spaces allow for students to further rehearse and collaborate. Additionally, the facility houses a reception hall and art gallery, while an outdoor amphitheater rounds out the performance and gathering spaces.
Leveraging the idea of Music in Motion, the design team ensured all elements of the facility responded to and aligned with this theme — everything from the very visible exterior elements that represent musical scales and piano keys to the smallest interior details such as balcony railings that mirror music vibrations. The performance hall is made of massive pre-stressed concrete panels. The concrete panels not only provide for high-quality acoustics, but also a solid structure with durable finishes.
