Maurice R. Greenberg Conference Center-New Haven, Conn.
When Yale University decided to expand its facilities and programming for international affairs, which brought distinguished global leaders to New Haven, Conn., officials said they wanted a facility that matched the prestige of the guests who would meet there. Out of that plan came the new Maurice R. Greenberg Conference Center, a $14 million, 14,000-sq-ft green building that is linked by a glazed arcade to the historic Betts House (built in 1868 and restored in 2002), which is home to many of Yale’s international affairs centers and programs.
Designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects of New York, the conference center with mauve stucco walls scored to simulate dressed stone, columns and arches to complement the adjoining Betts House is noteworthy for its high-end finishes and state-of-the-art 60-seat amphitheater, translation and audio booths, classrooms and breakout seminar rooms. High-tech audio-visual systems rely on fully disguised technology including recessed projectors, fully retractable projection screens, ceiling-mounted video cameras, recessed podium screens and recessed, ceiling mounted speakers. All that required close communication and coordination with construction manager Shawmut Design and Construction of New Haven, Conn. In some cases, Shawmut rather than subcontractors procured long-lead time items such as specialty lighting packages to guarantee the project would stay on schedule and on budget.