Lafayette College Arts Plaza | Spillman Farmer Architects

Designed by Spillman Farmer Architects, This distinctive space was envisioned as an outdoor black box that can host a wide array of planned and spontaneous artistic endeavors, including performance art, visual art exhibits, and small-group musical performances. The structure actually transforms an abandoned building as it responds to the built and natural environment of which it is part.

The Arts Plaza was built as an urban infill project on the same slab as an existing building. The site physically spans the Bushkill Creek, a beloved natural element within the city of Easton.
While the old building’s solid walls proved an effective barrier between the creek’s environment and the community, the new Arts Plaza literally deconstructs these barriers to connect people and nature. The east wall of the existing building was completely removed to allow views to the water from within the Plaza. The transparency of the west wall further opens the creek views to pedestrians passing by on the sidewalk. An oculus cut into the existing floor amplifies the sound of the creek in the space for a multidimensional connection to the natural environment.

Project Info:
Architects: Spillman Farmer Architects
Location: N 3rd St, Easton, PA 18042, United States
Project Team: William Deegan, Randy Galiotto, Sierra Krause, Clint Newton, Elliot Nolter, Mark Piell, Barry Pell, Patrick Ruggiero, Joanne Titcomb, IIDA, Salvatore Verrastro, AIA, CCS, CCCA, FCSI, NCARB, Dave Wrigley, CSI, CCS, Patrick Ytsma, RA, Erin F. McGuinness, LEED AP
Managing Principal: James Whildin, AIA
Design Principal: Joseph N. Biondo, AIA
Project Architect: Wayne F. Stitt, AIA
Structural Engineer: Barry Isett & Associates
Electrical Engineer: Lehigh Valley Engineering
Civil Engineer: McTish, Kunkle, & Associates
Construction Manager: Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Area: 7145.0 sqm
Project Year: 2010
Photographs: Halkin Mason Photography, Vicki Liantonio
Project Name: Lafayette College Arts Plaza