With a unique site that encourages visual connections on all sides of the new Performing Arts Center (PAC), BCA Architects’ challenge evolved into finding a simple and elegant solution where the expression of the building’s façade becomes seamless and continuous. This concept allows the PAC the sense of having no “back-of-house,” but rather a fluid and dynamic aesthetic from any viewpoint.

An elegant ribbon-like mesh screen wraps the entire building to create a seamless façade that provides various functions as it moves across the building – a screen masking the view of the service road and scene yard; a shading device which reduces heat gain at the lobby; and a simple structure allowing for lights to be secured at the rear of the outdoor amphitheater. At night the ribbon will glow on all sides, backlit with energy efficient LED lights, allowing the entire PAC to shine and assert its presence to the campus, passers-by on Mission Avenue and drivers on I-5 who will be attracted to the subtle yet impressive beacon of light.

The interplay of the wave form roof and the undulating screen wall add to the fluidity of the entire composition and provide for an iconic, landmark building that entertains and educates the students and the community, both day and night, inside and out.