Brooklyn, NY

To create the new Richard B. Fisher Building, H3 worked with the Brooklyn Academy of Music to transform a historic 1928 building into a new home for emerging artists and community groups, innovative arts education programs, and intimate performances. The renovation of the two-story historic building and the six-story addition reflect the project’s location in the BAM Historic District. The addition’s façade provides a subtle, textural counterpoint that lets the historic Salvation Army building take center stage. During the day, the building provides continuity with the adjacent historic façades of the BAM Opera and Williamsburg Savings Bank Tower; at night, it glows as a beacon on the block, with light and activity.

The project adds the 250-seat Fishman Space and the 100-seat Hillman Studio to the portfolio of venues at BAM, providing much needed smaller size spaces to accommodate experimental, international, and community events and rehearsals. The compact design also integrates a flexible two-level lobby space with bar/concession stand, classroom, offices, support spaces, and a landscaped roof terrace.

The Fishman space is BAM’s first fully-flexible, fully-adaptable theater. Telescoping seats and railings are moveable and removable. A ceiling tension grid allows adjustment of all lighting, sound, and ventilation positions, providing endless possibilities for reinvention.With LED lighting, an extensive green roof, solar shading, and efficient mechanical systems, the project earned a LEED-NC Gold rating.

CLIENT: Brooklyn Academy of Music
COMPLETION: 2012
SIZE: 38,000 Square Feet
COST: $26 Million