Berklee College of Music, Genko Uchida Building

The Genko Uchida building is a 58,000-square-foot academic, performance and administrative center, designed as a gateway to Berklee. The complex is wrapped in new brick-and-limestone façades, creating an exterior institutional image befitting the Back Bay Historic District, while expressing the vibrant musical life inside through contemporary interior treatments.
The design integrates complete renovation of a 1910 concrete-frame automobile dealership with added top floor, restoration of a traditional Back Bay townhouse, plus a seven-story addition behind. A semi-circular, balconied 200-seat recital hall—carved from the concrete frame—provides Berklee’s mid-sized performance venue. Movable seating and a segmented stage accommodates large and small ensembles, concerts “in-the-round” and college functions, while sliding-panel doors open the hall up to the lobby.
The complex mixes multipurpose classrooms, rehearsal facilities, ensemble and individual music labs, admissions center, career resources, students affairs and administrative offices throughout the building to give visitors a taste of Berklee’s offerings.
Glazed lights into all activity spaces, bright-colored accent walls and maple paneling and casework create warm, inviting environments. All facilities are wired to the campus digital computer network and are equipped with the latest audiovisual and acoustic technology.

Photographer: ©Greg Premru

“Imaginative use of space; well-done use of complicated program; creative technology application.”—1998 jury

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