Signature Theatre Project Breaks Ground: Project expected to achieve a LEED-CI Platinum Rating

New York, New York, 28 September 2010 – New York architecture firm H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture announces that construction on Signature Theatre’s new space on West 42nd Street began yesterday.

Located on the second floor of a 59-story mixed-use tower developed by the Related Companies, the new contiguous space will house three theatres, two rehearsal rooms, administrative offices, and a shared lobby, café and bookstore.

“Involving a total of five architectural firms, the project is one of the most complex in the city,” said Geoff Lynch, AIA, LEED AP, Partner at H3. “We were pleased to contribute our expertise in Building Information Modeling and the sustainable design of theaters to help make the design a success.”

H3 is architect of record for the project, collaborating with designer Gehry Partners. H3’s responsibilities on the project include the execution of the design, integration of sustainable design features, building information modeling, and construction documents and administration. H3 also collaborated with base building architects Arquitectonica and Ismael Leyva Architects in designing the theater’s core and shell along with coordinating the large consultant team.

H3’s BIM modeling expertise provided the platform for integrating Signature Theatre’s new home into the overall design of the complex. The Signature space was designed concurrently with the tower, so that the theaters’ fly towers, loading, and public spaces would work within the array of columns coming down from above.

H3 led the integration of sustainable features and materials to help the project reach an expected LEED-CI Platinum rating. Environmentally responsible choices include high-efficiency mechanical systems estimated to reduce HVAC energy consumption by 50%—a significant achievement for theater space that has intensive lighting and cooling requirements. The design also uses an estimated 45% less water than a comparable space. The mechanical engineer for the project is ICOR Associates.

Additional Project Data
- Signature Theatre’s space totals 74,000 square feet.
- The three theaters contain 299, 190, and 174 seats, respectively.
- The tower contains 1,200,000 square foot of residential and hotel space.

About H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture
Founded in 2004, H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture is a collaborative community of professionals guided by celebrated architect Hugh Hardy, FAIA, and five partners. A recognized leader in the planning and design of performing arts centers, theaters, libraries, parks and museums, H3 is dedicated to the creation of active public spaces. H3’s current work includes Lincoln Center Theater’s LCT3 and Orchestra of St. Luke’s DiMenna Center for Classical Music, both under construction in Manhattan, as well as the Botanical Research Institute in Fort Worth, Texas, and the United States Federal Courthouse in Jackson, Mississippi, both nearing completion. For more information, visit www.h3hc.com.

Contact Information

Abigail Carlen

Marketing Manager

H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture

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