CENTENNIAL CENTER
WESTMINSTER SCHOOL
SIMSBURY, CONNECTICUT

Westminster School is a private, secondary school of 350 students where the performing arts have been an important part of the academic life. As Westminster prepared to mark its centennial, the school decided to address its demand for expanded and technically-improved dance, music, and theater facilities. Situated in a prominent location at the northeastern corner of the campus’s central quadrangle, the Centennial Center brings the performing arts into the physical and academic mainstream of campus life.

The contoured balcony fronts, round columns, ceiling coffers, and set-back walls provide well diffused early reflections. Acoustic panels are used on the curved rear wall to prevent focused echoes. The room has a clear, intimate sound with excellent articulation. Although the room has a sound system, the natural acoustics are good enough so that many speakers do not bother to use the microphone.