Oberlin College Birenbaum Innovation and Performance Center

Renowned for its music program, Oberlin College and Conservatory offers students the opportunity to learn and perform in several world-class facilities. Its newest addition, which opened in 2017, the Birenbaum Innovation and Performance Space, expands its capacity and serves as an entrepreneurial teaching space by day and an intimate, 100-plus capacity concert club by night. It hosts everything from recitals and conservatory ensembles to professional guest artists and special events.

The Birenbaum offers flexibility and functionality for the conservatory as it easily transforms from a classroom to a performance venue in the evening. The venue is situated in the lower level of the Peter B. Lewis Gateway Center and shares LEED Platinum status. We were appointed to deliver integrated acoustics and audio-visual services.

Working closely with our client, we provided room acoustics, background noise, and sound separation advice to meet the school’s varied needs. The audio-visual capabilities included consideration for the multiple stage locations and a need for quick setups and turnovers. Our integrated services helped the school create a flexible, multi-use space that will aid the growth of their students, performers, and community.