Tuscaloosa,AL
H3 is currently completing documentation for a new 130,000 SF Performing Arts Academic Center at the University of Alabama. The project will include four performance venues, a 450 Seat Dance Theater, a 350 Seat Drama Theater, a 250 Seat Studio Theater and a 100 Seat Dance Studio Theater, along with production studios and rehearsal space and will be located on the recently acquired Bryce Hospital property. The new PACC, which will connect to the restored Bryce Main Building, will be the centerpiece of a vibrant new nucleus of campus and will provide students and arts patrons the highest level of performance facilities in a setting of unparalleled beauty. The new PAAC, takes notes from the historic Bryce structure and complements the original 1853 white stucco facades.
H3 conducted an extensive review of the Theatre and Dance department requirements to establish a spatial program to support their faculty, student and production needs. Special attention was paid to the dance program, providing expanded dance rehearsal space, to support the accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Dance. The expanded program provides space needed to create and collaborate within new experiential learning environments that are necessary to draw top students and retain faculty.
The new facility is designed to provide students with professional level environments that will support their transition into the professional workplace.
• Studios are sized and equipped to match commercial studios for costume, scenery, production and lighting design.
• Adjustable acoustics are provided in all performance spaces.
• Performance floors are precisely engineered for dance and drama performances.
• State of the art lighting, audio and video production equipment is integrated into all teaching spaces.
When completed, the Performing Arts Academic Center will become one of the most iconic and visited buildings on the University of Alabama campus—bringing student artists, faculty mentors, arts lovers, community members and visitors together to explore the human condition through the arts in a remarkable, one-of-a-kind facility.
CLIENT: University of Alabama
SIZE: 114,000 square feet
COST: $75 million
