Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts

A Fusion of Artistry and Engineering Excellence Bring Life to Bard College’s Avant-Garde Performing Arts Center

Bard College’s extraordinary Performing Arts Center is a 109,000-square-foot magical combination of artistic expression and technical achievement. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the facility includes a conventional 1,000-seat theater, a 400-seat black box theater, a concert shell and forestage lift, and full flying systems for scenery.

Building this kind of groundbreaking architectural design tested the limits of construction methods and materials. Our project team developed equally innovative construction management solutions, including innovative laser surveying techniques and 3D computer modeling. DOC’s project management staff also created project- specific electronic and web-based methods to communicate with team members across the country.

Project Highlights

• Early adoption of BIM technology to coordinate structural steel, curtain wall, and stainless steel skin
• Geothermal heat pumps fueled by 150 wells provide heat and air conditioning
• Complex MEP and control systems served by eight separate mechanical equipment rooms