The John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts at Villanova University is a beautiful and functional LEED Silver Certified building offering multiple professional-grade performance venues in the context of a highly supportive learning environment. It brings the university’s performing arts programs under one roof and is both a new campus destination and a public amenity that makes the arts more accessible to the surrounding community.
The building is situated on a former surface parking lot on Lancaster Avenue and is the last in a series of planned projects that, together, create a strong new public face for the university. Its facade is a contemporary interpretation of the “Villanova Gothic” aesthetic which served as the design motif for the entire slate of projects. Masonry panels capped with cast stone accents were produced off-site for more efficient construction, with each stone carefully positioned to be visually cohesive.
The generously sized lobby is supported by a full catering kitchen that will allow the space to also accommodate receptions and special events. Full-height windows overlooking the prominent intersection of Lancaster Avenue and Ithan Avenue, catty-corner to Villanova’s field house and stadium.
The 400-seat proscenium theater with a full fly loft has an elegantly curved balcony that embraces the stage and its dramatic gold curtain. The 140-seat courtyard theater can accommodate performances in endstage, thrust or arena thanks to flexible seating that can be customized for multiple configurations. The largest rehearsal space doubles as a ‘performance lab’ that can accommodate small audiences for intimate performances. Students and audiences alike will benefit from the variety of performance opportunity such spaces can offer.
Back of house amenities include dressing rooms, a green room, and well-equipped production shops for scenery and costumes. The third floor features a choral room and dance studio as well as two general classrooms. Offices on the second and third floors accommodate faculty as well as the production manager, building manager, and other department staff.
The Center is pursuing LEED Silver Certification. A whole building energy simulation was performed which allowed the design team to achieve a reduction of over 15% usage.