Dodge Performing Arts Center and Learning Commons

The Dodge Performing Arts Center and Learning Commons at Saint Mary’s College of Maryland embody the convergence of culture, community, and environmental responsibility. Nestled along the waterfront within the campus’s Academic Tidewater Village, the new facilities elevate both the performing and academic life of the college through thoughtful design and integrated engineering.

A Campus Gateway for Art and Learning

These two connected buildings establish a dynamic new campus gateway, uniting performance, study, and collaboration within a cohesive architectural composition. The Performing Arts Center features a 700-seat auditorium, recital hall, music practice suites, and support spaces designed for diverse productions and student performances. The Learning Commons complements this creative energy with an open, technology-enabled environment for reading, research, and group study, accessible to students day and night.

Engineering Integration and Performance

In collaboration with GWWO Architects and GUND Partnership, Mueller Associates provided mechanical and electrical engineering design services for both facilities, ensuring seamless comfort, optimal energy efficiency, and superior acoustic performance.

• Displacement ventilation systems maintain quiet, draft-free comfort in the auditorium while supporting superior acoustics.

• Specialized HVAC zoning accommodates distinct programmatic needs, from performance halls to studios and study spaces.

• Advanced lighting controls create adaptable environments for rehearsals, lectures, and collaboration.

Through close collaboration with the architectural team, Mueller’s systems integrate unobtrusively into the buildings’ architectural expression, preserving the project’s spatial openness and connection to the waterfront setting.

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

Achieving LEED Silver certification, the project reflects a strong commitment to sustainable design. Energy-efficient HVAC systems, solar panels, daylight harvesting, water collection systems, and the use of regional materials all contribute to reducing the campus’s carbon footprint. The result is a pair of high-performance buildings that embody Saint Mary’s dedication to stewardship of both environment and community.

Together, the Dodge Performing Arts Center and Learning Commons enrich the college’s academic core, blending art, architecture, and engineering into an inspiring campus landmark.

Read more about Mueller’s work on this project in our newsletter, “Engineering Excellence in the Arts.”