Some significant changes have been made to plans for the $1.4 million Performing Arts and Humanities Facility (PAHF) since last year's community forum. Most notably, the building's footprint has been reduced and the facility might become environmentally certified.

The project is slightly behind schedule following a significant floor plan reduction. To get back on schedule, the architectural team has been asked to shorten upcoming project phases, according to Joe Rexing, UMBC's Associate Director of Planning and Construction Services. However, he said, "The project is progressing well."

Though the governor's proposed budget includes multiple installments of the $1.4 million, UMBC has not seen any money yet.

The building will be constructed in two phases because of this funding method. One of the architects on the project said: "It is a long and complex [construction] schedule."

Environmental Dedication

Since Grimm & Parker Architects are dedicated to environmental design, they currently plan to have the building Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified. As of last year's community forum, this was not a level of environmental commitment that the architects were considering.

If funding is available, Rexing indicated that the university will seek a silver LEED certification level.

Some of the building's environmental features include natural lighting, a cistern to collect runoff, and a greenway complete with smaller outdoor areas which can be used for relaxing or teaching.

Active Interior

The architect's plan for the building is that it will "celebrate innovation right at the leading edge of campus." The PAHF's central spine will run parallel to Academic Row. The building's two performing areas will be located at opposite ends of this spine, while the Drescher Center overlooks the building's interior from the second floor.

Since the architects "have a real concern with…dead lobby syndrome," each space will be given multiple uses to "activate" it.

The architects are currently working with the departments of Ancient Studies, Dance, English, Music, Philosophy, and Theatre as well the three centers that will be housed in the PAHF to discuss each group's placement in the building and help them understand their planned spaces.

The English department, due to its large size, will be split over two floors. Rexing said that they are "working closely with the architects to create the ideal setting for their large department." He pointed out that departments such as the biology, chemistry, and physics span multiple floors or even fill an entire building.

English department chair Jessica Berman was disappointed that the department has been divided in the latest floor plans. However, she noted, "The architects…have worked with me on developing ways to create department spaces that build community. We will have an open stairway between our floors which will encourage faculty and students to move up and down, and other areas where we can gather." Berman was hopeful that these plans will work out. "It certainly will be better than the space now," she said.

The PAHF will also have many general-use classrooms, conference rooms, and even a café area on the first floor.

Parking Problems

The PAHF is charted to be built where parking lots 16 and 9 currently stand. Grimm & Parker architects commented that building on parking lots is part of a university's natural growth.

UMBC is currently investigating ways to replace the two displaced parking areas.

"A parking planning study is currently underway to assess parking needs and to recommend solutions," Rexing said. "Numerous student groups supported this study effort by participating in an all-day survey to count parked cars across campus."

It has been recommended that the Fine Arts building be renovated after the PAHF is built. The building would unite scattered parts of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences to become the Global and Cultural Studies building.

Learn more about the PAHF at umbc.edu/pahf.