AEI & Pivotal Experts Share Insights on Transforming Historic Building into Performing Arts Center
Adaptive reuse involves repurposing a building that has outlived its useful life, allowing for the preservation of its architectural features while reducing construction costs and conserving resources. At the same time, these projects can encounter unique challenges resulting from information gaps and unforeseen problems.
In the February issue of I+S Design Magazine, Senior Lighting Designer Jennifer Newman and Electrical Engineer Bhavik Tejwani discuss AEI and Pivotal Lighting Design’s involvement in transforming the University of Southern California’s (USC) United University Church into a new School of Dramatic Arts.
MEP systems were designed to address the building’s unique architectural and structural constraints and maximize usable interior space
AEI served as the engineer-of-record, providing mechanical, electrical, piping/plumbing, and sustainable engineering design services for the 40,000-square-foot, four-story performing arts facility. AEI’s in-house studio, Pivotal Lighting Design, provided architectural lighting design solutions.
Renovating the building into a functional facility required addressing several site-specific challenges through strategic planning and creative problem-solving. Along the way, the team gained new insights about adaptive reuse, including the importance of flexibility and team collaboration in producing innovative and effective solutions.
“Adaptive reuse projects involving historical preservation require a delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing modern functionality.”
The building’s all-electric systems and envelope improvements enhance its performance and resilience, helping it to achieve LEED Platinum certification.