SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY

The Cunningham Center for Music & Art building dates to 1957 and is a hub of activity for the 150-year-old Susquehanna University Department of Music. The original wood truss roof system above the heavily used main rehearsal room began to fail and push the south exterior bearing wall out several inches.

Chris Dawson Architect worked with the contractor and structural engineer to swiftly design and document the emergency replacement project while also addressing aesthetics and performance enhancement for the space. The renovated rehearsal room offers increased volume by replacing the previous suspended ceiling system with an exposed structure and roof decking approach that enhances visual appeal and acoustic function. CDA further maximized the opportunity in this unexpected redesign by incorporating storage lockers to organize visual clutter and introducing a new screen wall at the main entrance to the room. The new faceted wall acts as a buffer and mini orchestra shell backdrop to allow the space to be used for small ensemble performances with an audience.