Thinking Outside the (Black) Box

The Copeland Donahue Theater is truly “unbounded” in many ways.  The new theater is a type often called a Black Box because of its plain, black interior.  This style allows for a more flexible performance space and is a favorite for non-traditional theater productions.  In addition, the theater will house a digital media studio with state-of-the-art technology for creating cutting-edge digital works.  Yet perhaps even more forward-thinking than these features is the design of the theater itself.  From concept through construction, both the building and grounds have been planned with sustainability as a priority.

The architects began by taking into account the natural surroundings, preserving the two large oak trees on the site and re-using the original stones from the demolished “Dungeon” that formerly occupied the site.  Some of the other sustainable choices for the project include:

·  Using regional materials.  Most of the building materials, including the concrete block, roof tiles and wood for the project, are all from regional suppliers.  Using regional sources eliminates the need for long-distance transportation, thereby reducing petroleum usage and air pollution.

·  Using thermal mass.  The 12-inch thick walls absorb heat during the day and release it at night, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling systems.  The insulation and windows in the building also meet the most strict energy codes, making the building envelope energy-efficient.

·  Using recycled products.  The concrete block, concrete, boards and decking, steel studs and carpet are made with high levels of recycled content.

·  Choosing environmentally-friendly materials.  The paints and coatings used in the project are low-emitting materials.  Also, the cooling system refrigerant is of a kind that is not harmful to the environment.

·  Using durable materials.  By using materials such as concrete block and clay tile, maintenance is reduced.

·  Choosing efficient lighting. The building is designed with minimal exterior lighting which minimizes light pollution.  Interior lights make use of time clocks and photo cells to reduce unnecessary usage.  Fluorescent fixtures provide greater energy-efficiency than those that require incandescent bulbs.

·  Increasing building density.  By building near the campus center, the density of the campus is increased.  This not only means easier access for building users, it also means that the campus footprint remains the same rather than expanding into undeveloped areas and contributing to “sprawl.”

·  Making use of outdoor spaces.  The Copeland Donahue Theater will be an atypical Black Box in that one of its walls will open out to an adjacent patio, bringing performances quite literally outside the box.  The landscaping surrounding the theater will also be water-efficient, requiring little to no irrigation.

As Webb continues to enhance the campus, sustainability will remain a priority.  Current facilities are being made more efficient (through such things as the addition of low-flow water fixtures and fluorescent lighting), landscaping choices are being made with water conservation and indoor-outdoor integration in mind, and new construction will make the best possible use of sustainable building materials and practices. 

The Copeland Donahue Theater will be completed in the spring of 2008.  Inside and out, the building will be an enduring example of the power of unbounded thinking – and action.