Villanova University wanted to maintain the Gothic revival architecture found throughout the 175-year-old campus in the design of their new performing arts center. Additionally, they aimed to achieve LEED Silver with notable inclusions such as reflective roofing, a green roof over the main proscenium theater, recyclable materials, low-emitting finishes, and an energy-efficient HVAC system.
The client and design team utilized architectural precast concrete due to construction cost savings and better lead time of the exterior wall related to a traditional stone façade construction. This was based on the rigorous construction schedule reviewing lessons learned from a traditional stone veneer project being constructed at the same time across the street. The John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts at Villanova University was completed as a $50 million, three-story, 85,000-square-foot structure that houses a full-size theater and various arts-related classrooms.
The Team
- Owner: Villanova University
- PCI-Certified Precast Producer: High Concrete Group
- Engineer of Record: O’Donnell & Naccarato
- General Contractor: L.F. Driscoll Company
- Architect: Voith & Mactavish Architects
- Architect: Robert A.M. Stern Architects
The Solution
Precast concrete accelerated project construction since not only could the precast panels be poured off site and delivered in a timely manner, but the intricate stone masonry could also be installed on the panels before delivery. This was decided as the preferred construction method among the construction team members, reducing cost, labor, and completion time for the new performing arts center.
Download the Case Study to see how precast was used to create a stunning stone-clad building:
What’s Inside:
- The project’s key details, including the scope, timeline, and team members
- The solution that leveraged BIM model coordination to develop precast planning
- The results of a cohesive aesthetic that blends with existing Gothic architecture
In its completion, the beautiful, multi-functional performing arts center wonderfully complements its surrounding aesthetic thanks to the innovation and efficiency of precast concrete construction.
Explore the strength and resilience of precast concrete, so you can determine if it’s right for your next project. To learn more about the benefits of precast concrete, check out our resources below.
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Webinar: RAMSA Precast Case Studies in Institutional Buildings
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Achieve More With Precast
The John and Joan Mullen Center for Performing Arts at Villanova University represents the efficiency and versatility of architectural precast at its best. Easily repeatable concrete panels being poured and stored off site and shipped to the campus for just-in-time erection accelerated the construction schedule while achieving intricacy and accuracy in design.
Download the full case study to see more of the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts at Villanova University and get a detailed breakdown of how PCI Mid-Atlantic helped create this stone-clad institutional building.
Keep precast concrete and the Mid-Atlantic region’s precast businesses in mind for your next project. Find helpful design tools, project resources, and detailed information on working with precast in our comprehensive Solutions Center.
