Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center

The Center is a significant change in focus from the traditional focus on this science and engineering campus, although the Darrin Communication Center is similar. The administration claims that "EMPAC introduces a new model for educating the next generation of leaders, who will be better prepared to solve the complex problems facing our world.”[https://news.rpi.edu/luwakkey/2502 Rensselaer Opens the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC)]

The acoustical firm Kirkegaard Associates was contracted to work on the system. Extensive computer modeling was done of the ceiling canopy before construction to optimize the transmission of sound waves.{{cite web|url=http://empac.rpi.edu/research/ceiling.html|title=Modeling the Transmissive Ceiling Canopy|publisher=RPI|access-date=10 September 2008}} EMPAC is the first venue to use Nomex fire-retardant fabric for a ceiling canopy to reflect sound waves. The exterior of the main concert hall is lined with {{convert|36000|sqft|m2}} of Western Red Cedar. Grown in sustainable forests in British Columbia, the wood was chosen for its fire-retardant properties. A {{convert|20000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} glass wall lines the north side of the building. A water/glycol mix circulating through the steel support beams maintains an even temperature and limits condensation on the glass. EMPAC is also LEED Silver certified.{{cite web |author=Mortice, Zach |title=Grimshaw Breaks Down Barriers Between Science and the Sublime |url=http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek09/0821/0821d_empac.cfm |publisher=AIArchitect, Volume 16 |access-date=21 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723025550/http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek09/0821/0821d_empac.cfm |archive-date=23 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}

EMPAC is also home to a 400-seat theater with an 80′ x 40′ stage, 60′ fly tower, and computer controlled rigging. EMPAC also has two very large projection screens: a 50' x 40' one in the theater and a 60' wide screen in the concert hall.{{cite web|url=http://empac.rpi.edu/residencies/artist_in_residence_guidelines.pdf|title=Artist in Residence Guidelines|publisher=RPI|access-date=31 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726065745/http://empac.rpi.edu/residencies/artist_in_residence_guidelines.pdf|archive-date=26 July 2011|url-status=dead}} There are two main multi-purpose studio spaces. Studio 1 has {{convert|3500|sqft|m2|adj=on}} and has 40-foot-high ceilings, and Studio 2 is {{convert|2500|sqft|m2|adj=on}} with {{convert|28|ft|m|adj=on}}-high ceilings. There is also a {{convert|1400|sqft|m2|adj=on}} rehearsal studio called Studio Beta, and 4 Artist-in-Residence studios (with one being permanently occupied by the Institute President){{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}. Studio 1 and Studio 2 are lined with acoustical panels to diffuse sound using innovative paneling designed to simulate the characteristics of tree bark. Different panels are designed to absorb and refract different frequencies of sound.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/23/science/23troy.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2|title=Art and Science, Virtual and Real, Under One Big Roof |last=Overbye|first=Dennis|date=2008-09-22|access-date=23 September 2008|work=The New York Times}} All performance spaces have a maximum noise level of 15 dB, making them some of the quietest artistic presentation spaces in the world.

A 360-degree projection system has been developed, which is used for virtual reality research, art works, and cinematic presentations. The current system has a {{convert|40|ft|m|adj=on}} round, {{convert|15|ft|m|adj=on}} tall circular screen which surrounds viewers, who either can walk around or view from swivel chairs. Special 360-degree cameras are used for filming, along with microphones which record directionality. The sound can then be played back on an array of surround-sound speakers, allowing sound projection from any angle toward the audience.{{cite web|url=http://www.rpi.edu/about/inside/issue/v2n15/empac-research.html|title=Research at the Intersection of the Sciences and the Arts|date=2008-09-19|publisher=Inside Rensselaer|access-date=September 23, 2008}}

The institute announced plans for the construction of a new performance hall in Fall of 2001 with construction costs originally slated at $50 million.{{cite web|url=https://empac.rpi.edu/news/2001/innovative-form-pioneering-function-experimental-media-and-performing-arts-center-takes-shape|title= Innovative in Form, Pioneering in Function, An Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center Takes Shape at Rensselaer |date=2001-07-05 |publisher=EMPAC Press Release|access-date=5 February 2022}} After a design competition and discussions with architectural firms, the plans were revised with a new construction cost of $141 million and completion date of sometime in 2006.{{cite news|url=http://poly.rpi.edu/old/article_view.php3?view=2003&part=1|title=Plans for EMPAC reviewed, revised|last=Robertson|first=Scott|date=2003-02-12|newspaper=The Polytechnic|access-date=16 September 2008}} While some thought that RPI needed improved music and arts facilities, the increased size and construction cost were seen as unnecessarily expensive by many students and faculty.{{cite news|url=http://poly.rpi.edu/old/article_view.php3?view=1526&part=1|title=EMPAC construction hits unexpected costs|last=Cummings|first=Nievalyn|date=2002-05-01|newspaper=The Polytechnic|access-date=16 September 2008}}

File:EMPAC Lights above hudson 2.jpg

The project broke ground on September 19, 2003.{{cite web|url=https://empac.rpi.edu/news/2003/empac-groundbreaking-sept-19 |title= EMPAC Groundbreaking on Sept. 19 |date=2003-09-15 |publisher=EMPAC Press Release|access-date=5 February 2022}} During 2004 the Institute began a large capital campaign and Rensselaer alumnus and trustee Curtis Priem, '82, donated $40 million in an unrestricted gift. RPI decided to officially name the project in his honor.{{cite web|url=http://empac.rpi.edu/news/2004/2004_0911.html|title=Rensselaer Announces $1 Billion Capital Campaign — the Largest in the University's History|date=2004-09-11|publisher=EMPAC Press Release|access-date=16 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101014023935/http://empac.rpi.edu/news/2004/2004_0911.html|archive-date=14 October 2010|url-status=dead}} Additionally, the Institute received a $1 million gift for EMPAC programs from alumnus David Jaffe in 2006.{{cite web|url=https://empac.rpi.edu/news/2006/rensselaer-polytechnic-institute-receives-1-million-gift-support-empac|title= Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Receives $1 Million Gift To Support EMPAC|date=2006-08-06|access-date=5 February 2022}}

Over 100,000 cubic yards of earth were evacuated from the hill to make room for the structure.{{cite journal|url=http://www.rpi.edu/magazine/fall2008/empac/bold_experiment.html|date=September 2008|title=Bold Experiment|publisher=Rensselaer Alumni Magazine|access-date=10 September 2008}} RPI has had problems in the past with the instability of the ground on the hillside, a phenomenon known as mass wasting. To prevent the EMPAC from "sliding down the hill", 215 rock anchors were drilled into the ground to stabilize the foundations. At over {{convert|210|ft|m}} long, they are some of the largest anchors in North America.

In September 2005, the institute hosted EMPAC 360: On Site + Sound, a multimedia and performing arts presentation to celebrate the midpoint of construction. The event was attended by over 3000 people from the region.{{cite web|url=http://empac.rpi.edu/news/2006/2006_0101.html|title= EMPAC 360: On Site + Sound chosen as most exciting Capital Region arts event of 2005!|date=2006-01-01|access-date=16 September 2008}} The expected completion date was moved to sometime in 2008.

In January 2008, RPI commissioned lighting designer Jennifer Tipton to create a large lighting display called "Light Above the Hudson". Operational for several weeks, the display drew attention to the center with a 300 by {{convert|100|ft|m|adj=on}} array of multicolored lights and search lights pointed into the sky.{{cite journal|last=Dalton |first=Joseph |date=13 January 2008 |access-date=12 November 2008 |title=Night Light: Designer Jennifer Tipton Illuminates RPI's Experimental Media Center |journal=The Times Union |url=http://timesunion.com/archives/secure/docheckout.asp?action=Get+Doc+Tag&dblist=TX2008_ALBANYTU&tagnum=200801110083&papid=albanytu&suffixes=false&synonyms=false&thesfile=savesufx.fth&view=rtemplate&templatetype=legacy&query=%28jennifer+tipton+AND+RPI%29&outputtype=DOCXSLT |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016020940/http://timesunion.com/archives/secure/docheckout.asp?action=Get+Doc+Tag&dblist=TX2008_ALBANYTU&tagnum=200801110083&papid=albanytu&suffixes=false&synonyms=false&thesfile=savesufx.fth&view=rtemplate&templatetype=legacy&query=%28jennifer+tipton+AND+RPI%29&outputtype=DOCXSLT |archive-date=October 16, 2008 }}

File:RPI EMPAC Lights above the hudson 2.jpg|"Lights Above the Hudson" display, January 2008

File:EMPAC SW Face.JPG|Southwest corner of EMPAC grounds

File:EMPACEastEntrance.JPG|East entrance of EMPAC

File:EMPAC N Face.JPG|North face of EMPAC with glass façade

File:Empac Front Cropped.jpg|West face of EMPAC

File:Empac south side.JPG|South side of EMPAC

File:EMPACBalconyEntrance.JPG|Balcony entrances to the main performance hall

File:EMPAC Stairs.JPG|Grand staircase in EMPAC

File:EMPACBalcony.JPG|Founders' Room Balcony overlooking the City of Troy

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center}}

• [http://empac.rpi.edu/ EMPAC Main Page]
• [http://empac.rpi.edu/events/2018/fall EMPAC Calendar of Events]
• [http://www.rpi.edu/dept/NewsComm/sub/empacpreview/render-1.html Simulated Pictures of the EMPAC building]

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Experimental Media And Performing Arts Center}}

Category:Concert halls in New York (state)

Category:Buildings and structures in Troy, New York

Category:Music venues in New York (state)

Category:Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Category:Tourist attractions in Rensselaer County, New York

Category:Performing arts centers in New York (state)

Category:University and college arts centers in the United States

Category:Nicholas Grimshaw buildings

Category:Buildings and structures completed in 2008