by Michael J. Crosbie

All too often, college campuses tend to "ghettoize" the arts. A special facility is created in an out-of-the-way spot where artsy students hang out and pursue their passions. Science majors, math students, and others who are not "into" the arts might find such an arts center intimidating, or at least mysterious. What's in it for them?

The new $16.5 million Daniel Arts Center at Simon's Rock College in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, takes a different tack altogether. Ann Beha Architects of Boston made the arts center an inviting magnet on the campus — an open, friendly, and versatile building to disarm students of all majors as well as the dancers, painters, musicians, and thespians who now call the arts center home. The building's siting and planning bespeak an attitude about the arts that sees them as part of the life of every student on campus.

Simon's Rock is distinguished by its special program — one of the few in the country — in which inquisitive and bright high school juniors and seniors start college early without finishing high school.   >>>

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Daniel Arts Center at Simon's Rock College, by Ann Beha Architects. Photo: Peter Vanderwarker Arts center lobby, upper level. Photo: Peter Vanderwarker   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.