The UCD College of Arts and Media (CAM) moved into the old Startz Theater at the historic Tivoli on the AHEC Campus. Architectural Workshop provided CAM with a vision and design to revitalize the dated basement and turn the space into cutting edge recording and film production studios, as well as, a shared environment for multiple disciplines of CAM students. Entering the space by descending the grand staircase students can gather in the centrally located Town Hall where a community table, café style and booth seating promote student collaboration and interaction between the multiple disciplines of film recording, dubbing, sound mixing and production departments. Tackable felt surfaces throughout the space allow display or an impromptu presentation. The curved niche with movable stools and writable wall surface encourage conversation and creativity. A stage platform with “bean bag” seating gives students the opportunity for musical performances or to relax between projects. An interactive hallway with benches and nooks leads to the studios, labs and theaters. Different levels and layers of lighting along with a fresh color scheme provide an inviting airy atmosphere creating interactive and flexible spaces that enhance the students’ learning quality.

By opening up ceilings and walls a more open collaborative environment was created, giving the tired dark basement theater a new purpose and turning the space into a stimulating and creative environment that will inspire students and their innovative talents.

Now with the ability to support a national caliber Arts and Media program for CAM students, the new space provides a Class A green screen film studio, 124 channel recording studio, a 60 seat 4500 watt, 128 speaker mixing studio, 45 station film editing studio, 60 seat HD large screen viewing Studio and a 180 seat Community Theater. Each Studio is acoustically isolated and fully equipped to provide a level of performance that meets top tier requirements of industry standards.