University of Pennsylvania Music Building
Philadelphia, PA

ABA completed the rehabilitation and major expansion of the University’s Music Building, doubling the size of the original building. Constructed in 1892 and located in the heart if the University’s historic district, the Music Building is listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. The project establishes a clear dialogue between historic and contemporary architecture and began with the careful restoration and renovation of the historic building, and a contemporary addition that responds to the existing buildings materiality, rhythm, and proportions. The Department’s most acoustically sensitive spaces are housed in the new addition, including new music classrooms, recital and practice rooms, recording studios and faculty offices. The building also provides outdoor spaces for campus gatherings and quiet recreation while creating a connection to the Engineering quad. This project integrates multiple sustainable elements and will be the first LEED Silver building on Penn’s historic campus. The project received a 2010 Preservation Achievement Grand Jury Award from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.