Villanova University

We first came across the opportunity of working with Villanova University when we met Daniela Holt Voith and her team at VMA in Philadelphia in November 2017. At the time the project was already on site and above ground, but the lobby and circulation spaces were still a blank canvas and there was a clear need in our minds that bespoke lobby seating would be required.

VMA were the architect of record for the new-build RAMSA-designed Performing Arts Centre (PAC) on campus at Villanova University., Daniela recognised that we might have something to offer and kindly gave us the opportunity to present our ideas to the client.

When there is no brief and it’s all about envisioning a space

The entrance comprised a large open quadrant lobby area, with smaller interval spaces on the upper levels. Without a specific brief to work to the team at Luke Hughes could see that there really was nowhere in the plan for people to meet or wait for others to join them before, during or after performances.

We therefore came up with the concept of a series of low-backed and backless modular bench units of lobby seating, designed to reflect the architectural spacing of the façade’s window mullions  and to sit within and follow the line of the glazing.

The idea was simple; people need to be able to see out and be seen from outside when they are waiting for others in their party. Similarly, for the open spaces to remain relevant they had to be flexible, so. the lobby seating we proposed was to be modular and interchangeable to allow for easy and quick reconfiguration.

Public seating can still be flexible and versatile

The curved, modular lobby benches therefore separate and can be reconfigured. Semi-circular ends can be used as stand-alone circular seats and can be re-linked in different configurations.

Upstairs, the reverse curve of the auditorium's outer wall offered the opportunity to design a set of custom reverse-curve lobby benches to set against the wall. Previous projects for which we have designed curved benches include CBST in New York and at the Yale School of Management

Delivering flawless results takes teamwork

Since the lobby benches had to go into production before the auditorium wall was built, the Luke Hughes team provided full-size templates to use as ‘hard-numbers’ with the GC. To our relief, the wall and benches align perfectly, a testimony to close collaboration with the GC and some fine craftsmanship on their part.

Finally, additional lobby bench modules were developed to fit between the columns separating the tall windows looking out onto the street from the 2nd and 3rd floor circulation spaces to create additional lobby seating.