Diller Scofidio + Renfro Unveils Design for the University of New Mexico’s Center for the Common Arts and Technologies
Seeking to uplift the arts and creative disciplines at the University of New Mexico (UNM), the renowned architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro has unveiled a 60,000-square-foot project for the Center for the Common Arts and Technologies (CCAT). This new-build facility will serve as a gateway to the arts, strategically situated along the historic Route 66, which connects the campus to the city of Albuquerque.
The design features a transparent horizontal slice, creating a “super-lobby” on the second level with a panoramic view of Route 66 and the Sandia Mountains. This dynamic, multi-functional space will serve as the social and creative heart of the building, welcoming visitors and providing zones for teaching, performances, exhibitions, and research. At the core of CCAT is a 600-seat concert hall, designed to accommodate large musical ensembles, with the capability to host operas, film screenings, and lectures, allowing the university to engage a broader audience.
The building also houses the ARTSLab, an interdisciplinary research space that supports artistic collaboration with state-of-the-art equipment for immersive film production and augmented reality. Other key features include a 1,200-square-foot art gallery, a sound stage for the growing Film and Digital Arts department, and a flexible learning space that supports various academic programs.
The exterior design reflects the local geography through a series of sculptural open terraces that flow from the building’s stepped volumes. These spaces enable social interaction and cross-pollination, allowing activity to spill outward, further integrating art into the fabric of the university and the city. The terraces are informal gathering areas that foster creativity and collaboration, creating a vibrant public space for students and the community.
Sustainability is a key aspect of the CCAT project, targeted for LEED Silver certification. The building is optimized for energy efficiency and daylight, and its stormwater management systems reduce the risk of flooding during Albuquerque’s monsoon season. Native drought-tolerant plantings and connections to public transportation further enhance the building’s environmental design. CCAT is also a fully electric facility, equipped for future photovoltaic systems to increase its sustainability.
The opening of CCAT at UNM is part of a broader trend of expanding and enhancing university arts and cultural facilities across the United States. Recent examples include the grand opening of the Crow Museum of Asian Art at the University of Texas at Dallas, the groundbreaking of a new concert hall and music wing at the University of Texas at Dallas, and the ongoing campus revitalization of the Newark Performing Arts Center in New Jersey. Additionally, the Brooklyn-based firm SO-IL has unveiled a design for a new art museum at Williams College in Massachusetts.
The CCAT at UNM represents a significant investment in the arts and creative disciplines, providing a state-of-the-art facility that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, public engagement, and a tight connection between the university and the surrounding community. As the university prepares to welcome this transformative addition to its campus, CCAT promises to elevate the arts at UNM and beyond.
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