Arts & Communication Magnet Academy – Beaverton, Oregon
Services Employed: Architectural Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design
CLIENT: Beaverton School District
CLIENT GOAL: To create a performing and visual arts environment that reflects ACMA’s passion for the arts and art-infused education.
DESIGN RESPONSE: Founded in 1992, ACMA is one of the most sought after Option Schools in the Beaverton School District. It serves over 500 middle and high school students who focus on performing, visual and communication arts. The award-winning programs operate in a former elementary school with no proper auditorium or display space. To remedy this situation, the campus was master planned to envision future growth and establish the location of an exciting new building. The 20,900 square foot facility contains a 400 - seat Proscenium Theater with a shallow thrust stage, large rehearsal room, and support spaces such as costume and scene shops. The theater is wrapped on two sides with dramatic galleries for visual arts display and critique. All of these environments are contained within architectural volumes that shift size and change color, open and close, capture natural light and cast shadows. It embodies the client’s mandate for “an artistic venue where the design reflects that priority.”
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: Natural light is a key component in the galleries and lobby spaces, crafting the space in a variety of ways. Shading devices temper southern exposure and high efficiency HVAC systems are planned.
