AIA Hard Hat Tour: The Center for Innovation and Performing Arts

SMF team members took a tour to check progress on the Clark + Ervin Center for Innovation and Performing Arts at Cape Henry Collegiate in Virginia Beach.

The Clarke Ervin Center for Innovation and Performing Arts is a 49,000 S.F., two-story performing arts venue and classroom building designed to fit the unique needs of the school’s talented students. This state-of-the-art performing space is located on the northern edge of campus. The venue features a 475-seat theater with orchestra, parterre, balcony, box seating, technical galleries and catwalks, a motorized rigging system, and flyloft. Dressing rooms and other back-of-house spaces round out the professional level of facilities for student use. The flexibility of design allows for the space to be utilized for all types of production from school-wide musicals to instructional lectures. Additionally, the building features over 10,500 S.F. of academic space with adaptable, open classrooms promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration.

The American Institute of Architects Hampton Roads chapter hosted a tour in November to show progress on the facility. Highlighted topics included unique design features such as: emphasis on natural materials and lighting, fire rating requirements in performing arts venues, and the benefits of informal/collaborative learning environments. Discussion also included the new facility's role in the Campus Master Plan and future phases of design for Cape Henry Collegiate.