SM&W Contribution
The first comprehensive liberal arts campus established abroad by a major U.S. research university, New York University’s Abu Dhabi campus provided programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences and engineering. The project was awarded a 2 Pearl Estidama rating.
SM&W acoustical and theatrical consultants collaborated on the design of a 700-seat theatre, a 150-seat recital hall, a black-box theatre, recording studios, music practice rooms, drama studios, rehearsal space and back-of-house spaces. The room acoustic design optimized size, shape and finish material of all internal surfaces within the performance space. We developed a detailed computer model to determine the optimum shaping and absorption characteristics for major performance spaces. All theaters and numerous teaching spaces can adjust their acoustical performance. The theatrical design included extensive motorized rigging. All theater spaces provide multifunctional capabilities and support music, theatre or film presentations.
Our audiovisual team tailored the technology to provide a balance between educational value, production functionality and cost effectiveness. Wherever possible, opportunities to converge departmental requirements were studied in order to enhance the interaction between students of different programs.
Photo Credit: Rafael Viñoly Architects
