Originally built in 1978, the South Florida Community College (SFCC) Theatre for the Performing Arts received a complete renovation, reopening in 2010. Now seating 1460 people, the performing arts center glows with the contrast of brass architectural mesh panels against red velvet trim and upholstery adorning the interior.

Designed by Leo A. Daly Architects, and TSG Design Solutions, Inc., the theater consultants, the auditorium is the centerpiece for SFCC cultural programs, featuring new and innovative artists and shows such as comedian Andy Gross and the mind-boggling Circurious.

“The mesh was different from using a typical Acoustical gypsum wallboard kneewall,” says Ronald Wiendl of Leo A Daly. “It gave the theater an acoustic quality that was aesthetic. It doesn’t have an institutional look; it looks like a high-end theater.”

The theater interior used 1,114 sq. ft. of brass Plank mesh as infill panels on the front of the balcony boxes and as stair railings in the lobby. The style and texture of the mesh, which features 56% open area and weighs approximately 1.3lbs/sq. ft., was specified by Florida Aluminum and Steel, the installer of the mesh systems.

The framed panels not only infuse the theatre with a soft golden glow, but also act as an acoustic baffle to improve sound quality in the theater. The result is a functional and beautiful interior unlike any other performing arts center on the East coast. Additionally, Cambridge architectural mesh systems are hand woven, incorporating recycled content, and are 100% recyclable.

Cambridge worked with the project team, which also included Florida Aluminum and Steel, Inc., the installers of the mesh, and Matthews Construction Co., Inc., the General Contractor for the renovation, during the design and installation.