Theater for a New Audience at Polonsky Shakespeare Center

The 34-year-old Theater for a New Audience (TFANA) finally has a permanent home and opened its doors at Polonsky Shakespeare Center on October 22 in the Downtown Brooklyn Cultural District. The mission of TFANA is to develop and vitalize the performance and study of Shakespeare and classic drama. The new 262 Ashland Place location will welcome its guests with an innovative main theater with 299 movable seats, a mini theater for more intimate classics, and a public plaza.

Atelier Ten collaborated with H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture to provide environmental design consulting and energy analysis services.

The Atelier Ten team worked closely with the architects on the development of a high-performance theater building which includes energy efficient high-performance systems for occupant comfort, a well daylit glazed entry lobby, and promotes high indoor air quality with carefully selected materials. The result is an inviting and comfortable environment which supports the theater’s mission. Further, this LEED-silver targeted building is expected to use about 35% less domestic water and 26% less energy than a comparable building.

Atelier Ten’s team from the New York office includes Director Nico Kienzl, Associate Director Ben Shepherd, and Senior Environmental Designer Jessica Zofchak.