Globally Renowned Architecture Firm Selected for Sarasota Performing Arts Center at The Bay
Renzo Piano Building Workshop selected to deliver on community vision for a new performing arts center in Sarasota.
SARASOTA, FL (June 1, 2023) – The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of the firm that will be creating the design of a new Performing Arts Center at The Bay: Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Also known as RPBW, the firm was selected after a public presentation by the SPAC’s Architect Selection Committee. The final firm will be recommended to the City for approval and contracting.
RPBW, based in Genoa, Italy has successfully completed over 140 projects worldwide. It’s known for prominent buildings such as the Whitney Museum in New York, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, the Centre Pompidou in Paris and The Shard in London. The plan will embrace and reflect the needs of the community and deliver on the promise of a new performing arts center that serves as a centerpiece of The Bay Park, a 53-acre park that has transformed the Sarasota bayfront.
After a transparent architect solicitation process that attracted 43 RFQ submissions from top design talent from around the world, 18 firms were invited to respond to the RFP. From there, 6 semi-finalist firms were selected for site visits and reference checks, with three firms advancing to public onsite presentations, hosted on May 31 in Sarasota, Florida.
Each company was evaluated on their portfolio, professional experience, and ability to serve the community. The board’s vote reflected their belief that Renzo Piano Building Workshop would bring a sense of experience and community beyond a simple performance hall to the project.
“Our rigorous review process to select the architect for the new Performing Arts Center is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to position Sarasota as a top-tier arts destination,” says Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation board vice-chair, and chair of the Architect Selection Task Force, Dr. Jenne K. Britell.
“The arts have the magic and the power to transform lives and communities at every level. In their work and presentation, Renzo Piano Building Workshop reflected extraordinary vision and sensitivity to a range of issues that we believe best suited the project and could create something our community celebrates for generations to come."
The selection of RPBW as design and planning firm partner is the culmination of a 6-month Architect Selection Process, with the following milestones:
November 2022 - RFQ produced 43 submissions from interested firms.
January 6, 2023 - RFPs were received from 18 qualifying firms.
February 27, 2023 - 6 semi-finalists were selected to continue.
April 2023 - Site visits and reference checks were completed.
May 12, 2023 - Final Four Firms selected for in-person presentations.
May 31, 2023 - In-person presentations of the final three firms at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
June 1, 2023 - Final deliberation by the Architect Selection Committee with a recommendation for Architect Design Firm made to the City to begin the contracting process.
About Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s mission is to create and sustain a vibrant performing arts campus, advance education, and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts. The Foundation has partnered with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall since 1987 to support arts education throughout our region, serving more than 35,000 students and their families annually with enriching arts-based education opportunities and professional development for more than 400 teachers across five counties. Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is leading the vision to build a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center as a public-private partnership with the city and in collaboration with the Bay Park Conservancy and Van Wezel Hall.
About the Architect Selection Task Force
The Architect Selection Task Force comprises 3 Foundation Board Members and a City of Sarasota-appointed designate.
Dr. Jenne K. Britell, Vice-Chair, Chair of Task Force
Mark Famiglio, Board Member
Michele Hooper, Board Member
Mary Bensel, Executive Director, The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
About Renzo Piano Building Workshop
The Renzo Piano Building Workshop RPBW was established by Renzo Piano in 1981 with offices in Genoa, Italy, and Paris, France. RPBW is led by 12 partners, including Pritzker Prize Laureate, and architect Renzo Piano. The practice permanently employs about 100 architects and 30 support staff including 3D visualization artists, BIM managers, model makers, archivists, and administrative and secretarial staff. Our team has extensive experience working in multi-disciplinary teams on building projects in France, Italy, and abroad. As architects, we are involved in projects from start to finish and typically provide full architectural design and consultancy services through the construction phase. Our design skills and capacity extend beyond architectural services to include interior design, master planning, landscape design, and exhibition design services. RPBW has successfully undertaken and completed over 140 projects worldwide.
MEDIA MENTIONS
The Architects Newspaper - Renzo Piano selected to design new Sarasota Performing Arts Center
Global Consruction Review - Renzo Piano wins design competition for Florida performing arts centre
Herald Tribune - International architectural firm chosen to design new Sarasota Performing Arts Center
YourObserver - Sarasota Performing Arts Center task force selects architect
Your Observer - SPAC architect selected for its 'welcoming' touch