The iconic Wexner Center for the Arts, at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio provides a diverse array of contemporary arts for its visitors.

The Center opened in November 1989. Conceived as a research laboratory for all the arts, it has emphasized commissions of new works and artist residencies since its inception. Its multidisciplinary programs encompass performing arts, exhibitions, and media arts (film/video) and have focused on cutting-edge culture from around the globe. The black box theatre, above, has housed a wide array of avant-garde performances.

The building was designed by architects Peter Eisenman of New York and the late Richard Trott of Columbus with Philadelphia landscape architect Laurie Olin.

Ann Beha Architects’ comprehensive renovation and restoration of the Diana Chapman Walsh Alumnae Hall at Wellesley College has rejuvenated a special College resource. Alumnae Hall did not meet the needs of contemporary performance or College gatherings, compromised by poor sight lines, acoustics, accessibility, and no lobby or rehearsal spaces. Alumnae Hall now serves new audiences and programs, reflects the College’s commitment to its historic resources, and integrates contemporary design and new academic and community programming within the historic setting.

To provide a welcoming lobby space, the Design Team reconsidered the arcaded portico at the Hall’s north entry. The original bluestone floor was salvaged and raised to the level of the main auditorium corridor. New glass panels and doors were carefully inserted into the original limestone portals, providing a well lit gathering space for arriving audiences.

In the auditorium, the floor was re-poured and re-raked, and new staggered seating installed, configured to improve circulation, sight lines, and accessibility. Original wall and ceiling murals were discovered in the attic, as well as original glass and brass chandeliers, which were refurbished, supplemented with energy efficient accent lighting. Onstage, new rigging, theatre lighting, and audio-visual systems support lectures and theatrical productions.

A renovation and redesign of the existing theatre vastly increased the flexibility for concert events at the university’s 700-seat theater. In addition to expanding on-stage and backstage areas, FDA designed and specified new stage lighting equipment compatible with the shape and form of the space, and reshaped the interior seating plan to improve sightlines.

The project received a Certificate of Excellence in Design from the New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.