- Area: 18300 m²
- Year: 2011
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Photographs:Chris Cooper Photographer
Text description provided by the architects. Sight and Sound
Large storefront windows that create a dialogue between the studio and the urban environment open up the primary facade. Unlike most recording facilities, which are sealed acoustic boxes, passersby can peer into live recording sessions at SubCat Studios from the sidewalk.
Closing the Gap
The new glass-enclosed lobby addition projects from the historic building and counterbalances its solidity. The transparent structure brings light into the lobby and café, which serve as a public gathering place shared by the Red House Arts Center and the tenants of 219 West.
Best face forward: The renovation opens up the building to downtown Syracuse and the SALT District and establishes a presence on both the front and back facades. Two design elements – the elevator tower clad in corrugated metal panels and the glass addition – combine with the historic architecture to create a straightforward and contemporary composition.
Scene and be seen: The exterior design emphasizes transparency and openness, which contrasts with the strict acoustic and vibration requirements necessitated by the recording studio. Inside the building, the architects replaced the existing floor framing with floating concrete slabs to buffer sound and vibrations from passing trains.
Community Culture
The diverse program for the building draws in the community and encourages local residents to engage with the facility. The center contains an array of functions that can be enjoyed by Syracuse residents and university students.
Home Away From Home
To create a 24/7 community, the building includes residential units that accommodate recording artists, performance artists, and theater, dance and musical troupes. These units serve as alternatives to long-term hotel suites, and allow artists to create a home-away-from-home.
