Creating Community: Performing Arts Spaces as Academic Catalysts

In this episode of Student Success: Built by Design, our host Jeff Johnson is joined once again by Dr. Joel Peterson, and for this episode they also welcome new guests Matthew Austin, Ben Dalton, and Patrick Goforth to discuss the effect of the design of performing arts spaces on academic performance and community. Matthew is a design principal for architecture and urbanism with HGA Architects. Ben is partner and design lead with Miller Hull Architects, and Patrick is design manager with PCL Construction Services. They examine how the built environment supports Student Success through performing and visual arts projects funded by the San Diego Community College District’s $3.5 billion Measure HH. This episode they talk about applying Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to arts facilities, balancing foundational requirements like safety, clean air, accessibility, durability, and maintainability with higher goals such as belonging, beauty, meaning, and self-actualization. Four case studies are highlighted: renovations at the Educational Cultural Complex and City College’s Seville Theatre, modernization and expansion of Mesa College’s Performing Arts Center with visual arts integration, and a new Miramar College Performing Arts and Humanities complex including a highly flexible black box theater with advanced acoustic technology and “third space” community areas. Listen now to this engaging conversation and subscribe to hear every new episode!