The new Art Building in Gorham is a dynamic, multi-use academic facility that anchors the entry to the USM Gorham campus. The three-story, 36,000 SF modern building will consolidate programs currently housed in the basement of Robie-Andrews Hall and several surrounding structures into a new home for the arts.
Designed as a strategic, technology-supported hub for hands-on creative exploration, the Art Building brings together students from multiple disciplines to encourage collaboration and innovation across the visual arts.
The Design-Build team worked closely with USM Facilities and the Art Department to create a cost-effective, modern facility that maximizes program space within a carefully managed budget. Early in the process, the team identified a pre-engineered metal building system as a cost- and schedule-efficient solution, allowing construction to proceed swiftly while maintaining design quality. The result is a simple yet refined structure composed of durable, industrial materials assembled with precision to support students and faculty alike.
Studio spaces for Sculpture, Ceramics, Painting, Drawing, Photography, and Woodworking are left open to the structure, emphasizing the utilitarian character and energy of active, hands-on learning environments. Each studio is supported by adjacent spaces such as digital labs, a metal shop, and darkrooms, creating a fully integrated arts facility.
The building itself is conceived as an extension of the creative process—its architecture serving as a canvas for artistic expression. Interior stair tower walls, visible through glass facades, provide opportunities for large-scale installations that engage both occupants and passersby. The exterior cladding is designed to accommodate projected works of art, transforming the building into an ever-changing display that celebrates the vitality of the arts on campus.
Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2027.