Longwood University has a beautiful new home for “future journalists, stage managers, event planners, actors, broadcasters, speech writers, and political pundits” as The Honorable Otis L. Brown, Vice-rector, Longwood Board of Visitors put it during a festive opening ceremony with the breezeway of the new bulding as the backdrop.

The new structure is already a favorite destination for both students and faculty. Large windows offer great access to light and “spectacular” views across the entire campus.

A mature oak tree to the south is carefully incorporated as a centerpiece of the design, shading a glassy main stairwell in the summer and letting sun in in the winter.

The Center is constructed of durable masonry materials both inside and out.

Careful modulation of natural light and gracious proportions enliven the interiors.

A lighting design major said: “I’m a senior now, and being in this building will be the highlight of my student career. It offers amazing resources.”

Two theaters, a scene shop, costume shop and drafting lab are available to students, complimented by sunny classrooms with the latest audio-visual instructional technology built-in.

The building showcases an important collection of regional contemporary art in the Jack Blanton Gallery and throughout the building’s public spaces.

With the completion of the Center for Communication Studies and Theater, a new “Arts Quadrangle” at the south end of Longwood’s central Brock Commons begins to take shape. The Arts Quadrangle – a planning insight made possible by the Bushman Dreyfus design – offers a splendid enclosed space for campus life and sculptures from the University’s art collection.