Shawmut Design and Construction completes $30 million Granoff Center for Creative Arts at Brown University; Five-story 35,000 s/f designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro

Shawmut Design and Construction has completed the Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts, the newest academic building to be constructed on the campus of Brown University. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the Granoff Center is a five story, 35,000 s/f post-tensioned concrete building which features a first of its kind architectural design. The construction cost was $30 million. "This is truly a revolutionary, one of a kind building," said William Hughes, president and COO of Shawmut. "There is not another building like the Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts in existence. We hope it will serve as a shining example of what's possible in both the academic and construction communities." The Granoff Center, located at 154 Angell St., features three key design elements to help foster Brown's goal of interdisciplinary learning among multiple academic departments. The building has a pleated zinc skin exterior. The interior showcases a transparent glass "cleave wall" which divides the building in half. And, just off the main staircase there are "living room" landings on each level that serve as common gathering spots. The Granoff Center is on track to earn USGBC's LEED Gold Certification. Among the "green" elements included in the design is a living green roof. The Granoff Center was constructed in 17 months. Because Shawmut utilized a design-assist approach to the project, the company was able to finish the project on-time and under budget. "Even though a building of this concept had never been attempted, Shawmut Design and Construction recognized the challenges it would pose before ground was ever broken," said Ron Simoneau, a senior vice president who oversees R.I. operations. "By using the design-assist approach, Shawmut Design and Construction was able to work closely with Diller Scofidio + Renfro to ensure their original vision could be brought to life - while staying on budget - by solving many construction complications before work even began." All three design elements were conceptualized to advance research, learning, and production across the boundaries of individual academic disciplines. For example, the extensive use of glass walls allows each space a vast, unobstructed view of other production areas throughout the building so students can watch the manner in which other students learn. The "living room" landings, equipped with audio-visual systems, are designed to encourage interaction and collaboration among students from different fields. The Granoff Center for the Creative Arts also features an outdoor amphitheater, auditorium, artist gallery, wood shop, electrical shop, recording studio and media lab. Brown Univ. began holding classes in the Granoff Center in January.