Carleton College The Arts Union FAQs

What programs does Carleton expect to house in the former Northfield Middle School?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:58:12 -0600

The Arts Planning Committee has recommended that the building house a significant number of multiple use classrooms; the Perlman Center for Learning and Teaching; centralized support for the use of digital assets; the Presentation, Events, and Production Support office (PEPS); a teaching museum; a dramatic theater; a cinema theater; a black box theater; dance studios; and the academic departments of art history and studio art, cinema and media studies, theater and dance, and English.

To what extent do you expect the design of the building to take advantage of sustainable architecture?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:58:12 -0600

The architectural firm that was chosen is LEED certified and committed to aggressively pursuing sustainable design wherever it makes sense. They have a great record in this area. Until we get further into the actual design process we will not really know specifically what energy efficiencies we will be able to take advantage of.

What is a black box theater?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:58:12 -0600

A smaller theater that seats 120-130 with fold up chairs that can be moved around, movable lighting, four blank walls, etc. - an experimental space.

How does this project relate to the 100 year campus plan?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:58:12 -0600

Probably the most important insight from that plan was a warning that new building projects should not be sited in a way that impedes sight-lines from the campus out towards the Arb. This project doesn't interfere with that.

What is the vision for the Northfield community and its role in the new facility?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:58:12 -0600

We envision that the new facility and Arts Coordinator will connect our arts curriculum to the Northfield (and regional) community in deeper ways than at present.