The historic Drew University campus in Madison, New Jersey has a new choral and orchestral music hall.

After investigating three design options for the building, the design team and the University chose a 430-seat Recital Hall with a lobby that adjoins the existing arts and theatre wing. The building is adjacent to an historic forest and has views of Drew’s main campus building, Mead Hall. The new hall incorporates state-of-the-art theatrical and acoustical systems, including a center tear-drop shaped acoustical reflector collaboratively designed by FDA, Jaffe Holden Acoustics and FMG Architects. This reflector, lined with concert lighting instruments, can be easily lowered into the house when it requires servicing. Motorized acoustic drapes allow the acoustic qualities of the room to be adjusted for various performance types, including instrumental and pop music.

The room functions both as a teaching and performance space for the University’s music department, as well as a valued new resource for the community and surrounding region.