As part of a new 16-story, multi-use residence hall in the heart of Boston, the Berklee College of Music desired a space that would serve as a dining area during the day and a performance venue for the students at night. Because of this dual function, both aesthetics and acoustics were key considerations in its design.
To meet the challenge, the design team at William Rawn Associates, architects in Boston created the “Caf,” a two-story, 400-seat space featuring a 32-foot high ceiling, a gracefully curved second floor balcony, and a floor-to-ceiling glass wall overlooking busy Massachusetts Avenue. According to Designer Brian Putnam, the design team wanted to impart a dynamic quality to the space to complement its urban setting.