Boston Symphony Orchestra

Linde Center for Music and Learning

Project at a Glance
Location

Lenox & Stockbridge, MA

Architect

William Rawn Associates

Project Type

New Construction

Project Overview

  • Transformation of a summer-only concert venue into a year-round, world-class rehearsal, performance and hospitality destination
  • Creative, fast-track scheduling to ensure the buildings are enclosed prior to the 2018 summer concert season, thereby preserving the guest and musician experience while work continued on the interior
  • State-of-the-art A/V, acoustics and HVAC systems paired with sound and vibration isolation treatments to create separation between performance and practice areas

Each summer, Tanglewood, the popular music destination in Massachusetts’ Berkshire Hills, welcomes upwards of 330,000 patrons. With the goal of creating a year-round venue, the BSO expanded its campus with four new buildings, allowing Tanglewood to enhance its cultural and educational offerings, improve practice and performance space and increase audience engagement.

The interconnected complex includes a 200-seat, multi-purpose studio for rehearsals, lectures and events, a 150-seat café building with servery and kitchen designed to encourage interaction between musicians and guests, and a curved covered walkway connecting two additional learning/practice studios. The facility hosts space dedicated to the Tanglewood Music Center, a prestigious summer academy, and the Tanglewood Learning Institute, a popular lecture and adult education program. The project also incorporates an updated campus horticultural plan, which required a new irrigation system, the preservation of a historic oak tree and the planting of over 144 new trees and shrubs to provide shade for concert-goers.

These signature facilities feature world-class acoustics, high-end HVAC systems, sound and vibration isolation treatments, intricate millwork and a wood and curtain wall façade. Our team fast-tracked early construction to ensure the building was enclosed by the start of Tanglewood’s 2018 summer season. The only work permitted to occur during the festival months was on the interior of the new facilities; a strict delivery schedule will be maintained and work will be closely monitored to ensure the Tanglewood experience was maintained throughout construction. The new complex achieved LEED Gold certification.