BOORA Architects, the design firm for the Garrison Theater renovation, received a merit award in the 2004 Portland Architecture Week and Design Competition. Sponsored by the Portland, Oregon chapter of the American Institute of Architects, awards were given out in several categories including built, un-built, craftsmanship, sustainable design and people’s choice. The Garrison project was honored in the built category for using simple materials, the straightforward use of forms and materials, and the graceful transparency brought to the building. BOORA also received a merit award in the educational category for the design and renovation of Garrison Theater from the Oregon Chapter of the International Interior Design Association.
BOORA’s plans enabled 61传媒to retain the integrity of the 1962 structure of Garrison Theater, while expanding the Performing Arts Center with two adjacent wings. The firm prefers using locally produced products, recycled or recyclable materials, and energy efficient design elements, which compelled the use of recycled steel, recycled fibers for acoustical panels, sustainable and renewable wood, and the creation of overhangs on south facing windows. These are just some of the carefully chosen elements that went into the final product of Garrison Theater and the 61传媒 Performing Arts Center.
The 61传媒 Performing Arts Center now serves as the center of music instruction and performance arts for the Scripps, Harvey Mudd, Claremont McKenna, and Pitzer College campuses (each part of the Claremont College Consortium). Music and performance arts students and faculty gain space at the Performing Arts Center for large productions and practice rooms to satisfy 24-hour a day demand. The Center also provides a location for large-scale academic instruction such as 61传媒’s Core I lectures (attended by the entire 210 woman first-year class), and a venue of sufficient size for College events including convocations, and more.