A collaboration of architectural and cultural planning firms at the local, national and international levels unites to envision the state-of-the-art Saban Center
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (April 2, 2024) – The Saban Center, a transformative hub for education, science, arts, recreation and discovery, is thrilled to announce collaborative efforts with five prominent architectural and cultural planning firms on the forefront of innovation and successful implementation. This consortium of local, national and international talent will collectively contribute to shaping the visionary landscape of this state-of-the-art facility.
The distinguished architecture and cultural planning firms joining forces with the Saban Center are Steinberg Hart, Davis Architects, CambridgeSeven, Theatre Projects and Lord Cultural Resources.
Ms. Terry Saban is especially enthusiastic about this vision, as she firmly believes that “with the alliance and expertise of these architectural and planning firms, a brighter future for everyone in Alabama is not just possible, but inevitable.”
Steinberg Hart and Davis Architects: Shaping Interior and Exterior Space
A globally renowned full-service architecture firm, Steinberg Hart has been dedicated to innovative design that sculpts space and shapes life for nearly 70 years. Operating from offices in New York, Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, San Diego and Austin, the firm specializes in education, arts and cultural projects that stimulate the imagination of young people. Steinberg Hart brings a wealth of experience to this project with an impressive portfolio of over 300 education, arts, museum and cultural event commissions across 48 states.
Bringing extensive expertise to the project, esteemed architect Malcolm Holzman from Steinberg Hart shared his thoughts about the project: “I am thrilled for Steinberg Hart to join forces with the Saban Center in collaboration with Davis Architects. This partnership presents a unique opportunity to weave our collective expertise into the very fabric of architectural innovation in Tuscaloosa. I am eager to witness the transformative impact the state-of-the-art Saban Center will have on the educational landscape of Alabama and beyond.”
Davis Architects is a nationally recognized architecture, interior design and planning firm in Birmingham, Alabama. Proudly creating since 1912, Davis Architects has a vast range of experience in designing academic spaces across the Southeast, including such notable institutions as The University of Alabama, The University of Florida, Samford University and Auburn University.
When asked his thoughts on the project, Neil Davis, president of Davis Architects, said, “It is a true privilege to collaborate with Steinberg Hart in shaping the architectural vision and aesthetic direction for the Saban Center. Being involved in a project that not only champions STEM education but also positively influences Alabama’s future workforce fills me with pride.”
Together, Steinberg Hart and Davis Architects will execute the strategic creative vision for the exterior of the building, ensuring the Saban Center stands as an architectural masterpiece.
CambridgeSeven: Conceptualizing Captivating Exhibits
Established in 1962, CambridgeSeven, a Massachusetts-based American architecture firm, is globally recognized for its proficiency in designing diverse and award-winning structures worldwide. Their expertise extends to academic, museum, exhibit, hospitality, transportation, retail, office and aquarium facilities, with projects spanning North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. CambridgeSeven will significantly contribute to the conceptualization and design of captivating exhibits essential to the Saban Center’s immersive educational experience.
Theatre Projects: Developing a Sustainable Future
Theatre Projects shapes spaces where everyone can tell their stories. The firm has collaborated on more than 1,800 venues, impacting communities in over 80 countries – venues for arts and entertainment, education, retail and hospitality, sports, corporate events, and more. For 65 years, Theatre Projects has worked closely with clients to create and support innovative spaces that promote dialogue, build community and inspire human interaction.
The Theatre Projects team is providing strategic planning guidance and developing the organizational structures for both Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre (TCT) and the Saban Center Foundation. As West Alabama’s premier performing arts organization, TCT provides educational programs and theatrical experiences for all Alabama families – enhancing the cultural landscape of the Saban Center. The Saban Center Foundation, upon opening, will manage facility operations, ensuring a seamless and quality experience for attendees, guests and students across the entire campus.
In addition to developing the necessary operational planning that will allow for the Saban Center’s sustainable future, the Theatre Projects team is also focused on providing venue planning and room design, performance equipment design, acoustics, and audiovisual and integrated technologies design for the new facility.
Lord Cultural Resources: Crafting the Framework
Lord Cultural Resources is a leading global authority in cultural-sector planning. Since 1981, they have been instrumental in the creation, planning and management of cultural spaces and venues, contributing their expertise to over 460 cities in 57 countries across six continents.
This global cultural consulting practice is a key partner in this endeavor, as they are instrumental in crafting the operational framework of this educational campus. Their expertise will ensure the seamless integration of educational, cultural and community elements, establishing the Saban Center as a dynamic hub for innovation and learning.
These dynamic partnerships mark a significant milestone in the realization of the Saban Center’s mission to provide cutting-edge facilities that foster innovation, learning and community engagement. The collaborative vision of these cultural planning leaders promises to elevate the Saban Center to new heights and establish it as a beacon of excellence in STEM education.
To learn more about the Saban Center, visit www.sabancenter.org.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Emily Holt, MP&F Strategic Communications, (615) 259-4000, [email protected]
ABOUT SABAN CENTER
The Saban Center is a first-of-its-kind STEM campus where education, experience and innovation meet. It will include our community partners, Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre and Ignite, formerly Children’s Hands-On Museum, plus public-private educational partnerships spanning the state of Alabama. The Saban Center will be a hub for education training, arts participation and academic support for teachers and families alike. https://sabancenter.org
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