NEWMAN CENTER AT UMASS AMHERST
Firm: CBT
Client: Archbishop Diocese of Springfield, MA
Location: Amherst, MA, USA
Project Status: Completed
Project Phase Involvement: Design Development, Construction Documents as Interior Designer
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As one of UMass Amherst’s most beloved assets, Newman Center is a Catholic-based community center located in the heart of campus which also serves as an anchor for the university’s tightly knit faculty, students and staff alike. The Center offers regular traditional Catholic service, as well as a variety of service and social-related events with a motto of “Heart speaks to heart,” inspired from the Center’s original founder, John Henry Cardinal Newman.
In 2020, UMass Amherst and Archdiocese of Springfield reached a deal to relocate the existing facility into a brand new location, which opened up an opportunity to start fresh with a facility that strives as a beacon for the campus’ community for many years to come. CBT’s Academic team worked on the design of new 30,000 SF building that consists of 200-seater Chapel, Student Commons, Library & Research Center, as well as Cafeteria, private study & meeting rooms and faculty offices. The team also approached the design through meticulous process of bringing treasured elements from the previous chapel into new space, including repurposing stained glass and presenting an updated architectural detailing that remains connected to Newman Center’s legacy. With innovative all-wood structural design and contemporary take on the interiors, we envision Newman Center to be a valuable, yet lasting community hub for UMass Amherst and the organization’s enduring mission to reach out all people of good will.
