steven holl architects has designed a major new addition to princeton university?s growing campus in new jersey. the ?lewis arts complex? significantly expands the site?s performance, rehearsal, and teaching spaces with a suite of new facilities. the project also serves as a new gateway for the school, helping delineate the campus while maximizing pedestrian traffic. ?we feel grateful to realize this work as an instrument of inspiration for students of the future,? said steven holl on the building?s opening.
 
UPDATE: this article was originally published on ocotber 9, 2017 and has been updated to include new photographic and video documentation of the project.

image © paul warchol | video by spirit of space
 
 
designed by steven holl architects in partnership with BNIM architects, the new multi-building arts complex is located on the south edge of princeton?s campus, adjacent to mccarter theatre center. the complex comprises three distinct buildings that are connected below ground with an 8,000 square-foot gathering space. above, an outdoor plaza with a reflecting pool features skylights that filter natural light into the forum below. designed as an ?open public invitation?, this gateway space aims to connect the local community with the university.
image © paul warchol
 
 
the largest of the site?s three buildings is the wallace dance building and theater, which contains a steel black-box theater and smaller dance theaters in foamed aluminum, white washed wood,...