Bedford Hall, Longwood University’s newly renovated and expanded home for its visual arts program has gained national attention in American School & University’s 23rd Annual Educational Interiors Showcase. Chosen as one of the top 14 projects from a national pool of 80 submitted projects, each submission was evaluated by a combined judging panel of school administrators and design professionals. Bedford Hall’s exemplary design qualities and features earned it top marks as a Silver Citation winner.
Bedford Hall re-opened its doors in July of 2012, renewed and expanded to approximately 71,000 square feet, comprised of the original 1972 building plus a 45,099-square-foot state-of-the art addition. The project provides a beautifully designed gallery, studio space, presentation lecture hall, faculty studios, wood shop, arts event courtyard with reflecting pool, and outdoor, working studio space for the ceramics and metals/foundation programs.
Expansive glass in the lobby and gallery was used to honor the university’s mission to put the “arts on display” and invite student and community engagement around the arts. A new student gallery and outdoor arts garden are the focal points of the building, both facing the university’s iconic Brock Commons, the primary student pedestrian thoroughfare on campus, and near the recently completed theater arts building. The student gallery’s proximity and transparency to Brock Commons maximizes exposure of student art to the surrounding campus and student body, further embracing the collaborative spirit between the arts and students desired by the university.
“The project accomplished what it set out to do: it showcases student art in spaces very nicely enhanced with natural light. Public circulation areas are formed creatively in a minimal manner.”
American School & University, 2013 jury
Bedford Hall is anticipated to receive a LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Notable sustainable features include natural day-lighting, low-energy mechanical systems, low-emission glazing, increased wall and roof insulation, and water reducing plumbing fixtures. Translucent glass fin mullions serve as the primary sun shading device for the gallery space while maintaining the highest degree of transparency possible. In addition, full height channel glass on the northern facade provides the greatest amount of diffused light appropriate for art studios. Moseley Architects is focused on projects featuring high performance and sustainable design, and Bedford Hall will join the firm’s growing list of 49 LEED certified projects including one platinum and 23 gold certifications.