Projects: DePaul University New Theatre School Building

DePaul University New Theatre School Building

Revit model of the DePaul University New Theatre School Building in Chicago, Illinois.

Thornton Tomasetti

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Since 1925, The Theatre School at DePaul University has been dedicated to providing top-tier instruction and guidance to individuals seeking careers in professional theater. Bolstering its reputation for distinguished teaching, the University is constructing a new state-of-the-art, 169,000-gross-square-foot building that will house The Theatre School.

Thornton Tomasetti is providing structural design services for the five-story performing arts building, which will be composed of steel and reinforced concrete. Programming for the structure includes a 250-seat thrust theater, a 100-seat flexible theater, rehearsal space, scenery and costume shop areas, classrooms and administrative offices. Outdoor terraces at the upper floors will contribute to the building’s pursuit of LEED certification and will give students and faculty respite from the surrounding urban environment.

The design team tackled various challenges – including the modest size of the site and the stringent zoning requirements of the historic Lincoln Park neighborhood – throughout the development of the building’s design. Limited to a footprint of 280 feet by 120 feet, available floor area is at a premium. The building’s northeast corner, which gradually steps out beyond the building’s base, will serve as a dramatic western gateway to DePaul’s campus and will provide additional programmable space by increasing the floor area each level. Support for the signature corner will be provided by cantilevers that, with each step of the terrace, will extend in length beyond the cantilever at the floor below.

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