Garrison Theater, Scripps College Performing Arts Center building was reimagined with the help of Bora. The iconic mid-century theater building and its surrounding spaces were transformed to bring students into the future.

The massive opaque theater was originally a movie theater. But then, Bora transformed it into a facility that aligned with the historic campus’s language of spatial intimacy and interior/exterior connections.

Bora also reflects the campus’s pattern of courtyards with a series of smaller-scale pavilions flanking the existing building forming a new courtyard. A humanized scale was established to make the space feel comfortable and practical. The pavilions contain faculty studios, a music library, and a new 110-seat recital hall. Each of which feature extensive glazing to connect the interiors to the exterior gardens.

Now, Garrison Theater stands as a contemporary and invigorated 690-seat venue. Here, students enjoy music, and lectures augmented by an open ceiling and diffusive wall panels for rich full sound. Together, the new center of the historic campus delivers a significant holistic experience. This truly elevates the performing arts center while also giving the music department a celebrated new home.

Learn more about Bora higher education projects and how our builds impact students and learning environment.