Imagine the echoes of laughter and creativity swirling around us here at the Sorenson Arts and Education Complex. This isn’t just a building. It is a vibrant hub where arts and education intertwine.
The Sorenson Arts and Education Complex stands as a testament to Beverley Taylor Sorenson’s vision. She dreamt of a place where the arts and education could merge seamlessly. Her dream became reality in February 2014. It was made possible by a generous 12.5 million dollar donation from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation. This was the largest donation in University of Utah history for arts and education.
Ann Crocker, Beverley Taylor Sorenson’s daughter, serves as president of the Sorenson Legacy Foundation. She believes this complex fulfills her mother’s vision. It brings arts and education together to enrich Utah students’ learning experiences.
This complex is home to both the College of Education and the Tanner Dance Program. It serves as a national center for K-12 arts integration research and practice. The collaboration focuses on research, teacher training and community involvement. Visual art, theater, music, and dance are integrated into multiple subjects.
The Tanner Dance Program has a 75-year history. It provides dance and arts instruction for all ages. It also offers professional development for teachers. The 110,000-square-foot facility includes classrooms, dance studios and a black box theater. There is also an art studio and a costume fabrication shop.
Inside the Sorenson Arts and Education Complex is the Art Works for Kids Auditorium. This 200-seat space can be configured for theater, conferences or as an auditorium. A model classroom allows educators to demonstrate new teaching techniques.
Studies have shown that integrating the arts with core subjects boosts test scores and self-esteem. It also increases student engagement. It can even decrease behavior problems. The Sorenson Arts and Education Complex provides a space to explore these benefits. It also allows measuring the arts’ positive impact on children’s education.
The Sorenson Arts and Education Complex incorporates energy-efficient design. It optimizes thermal comfort and uses low-energy conditioning. This helps reduce annual energy costs by 43%. Atelier Ten collaborated with EDA Architects to achieve this. They focused on lighting and conditioning. This ensures comfort and meets strict temperature requirements for the dance studios.
The building’s design maximizes daylight. It also zones the building for thermal comfort. Shading, fenestration and envelope assemblies protect from solar gain. They also distribute daylight and maintain thermal comfort. Chilled beams, direct evaporative cooling, and radiant floors contribute to energy savings.
Raymond Tymas-Jones, former associate vice president for the arts and dean of the College of Fine Arts, was excited to be a part of it. Utah has a history of supporting arts-integrated education. That continues here at this complex.
The Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts and Education Complex isn’t just a building. It’s a place where creativity thrives. It is a space where the arts enrich education. As we leave today, remember the power of arts and education. May it inspire future generations.