Acentech completes architectural acoustics/design for UMass Lowell

Acentech, a nationally recognized multi-disciplinary acoustics, audiovisual systems design, and vibration consulting firm, has completed architectural acoustics and mechanical system noise and vibration control consulting for the new University Crossing student engagement center at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. A space for the campus and city's community, University Crossing is the new hub connecting UMass Lowell's North campus with the South and East campuses across the Merrimack River. For UMass Lowell students, the 230,000 s/f University Crossing student engagement center centralizes student life functions for three campuses and houses student clubs and organizations, retail dining and food service, meeting and conference space, lounge and bookstore, university police, parking, and other student and administrative services. Designed by Perkins+Will to achieve LEED Silver certification, the sustainable and contemporary design of University Crossing features a four-story glass front, a light-filled atrium, and views of the Merrimack River. The center combines the reuse and renovation of a previous hospital on the site with the design of 145,000 s/f of new construction. Acentech worked with the Perkins+Will design team to achieve a visually and acoustically sound space. In particular, the lead designer envisioned a sculptural latticework installation that extends from the floor to the ceiling of the atrium. Known as "The Lantern," the structure is a dramatic series of wooden panels that help to diffuse sound and provide a contrast to the glass façade on the opposite side of the atrium. In addition to the atrium, Acentech assisted the design team in other acoustical concerns such as sound isolation between the various offices and meeting rooms, room acoustics of the multi-purpose room and the conference rooms, and a noise and vibration assessment of the mechanical systems that support this building. Acentech is a multi-disciplinary acoustics, audiovisual systems design, and vibration consulting firm providing a wide range of services. The company serves a diverse group of clients from its offices in Cambridge, Mass.; Trevose, Penn.; and Los Angeles, Calif. With a professional staff of more than 50 consultants, Acentech is one of the oldest and largest organizations of its type: an unequaled resource to engineers, architects, and designers worldwide.