Case Study: Cultural Facility Feasibility
University of New Mexico – Center for Collaborative Arts and Technology
Location: Albuquerque, NM | AMS Team: Bill Blake, Lauren Frankel, Meg Friedman
The University of New Mexico has a mission to serve students – and Albuquerque. Responding to a changing economy, University leadership pursued funding for a center that would weave together the arts, technology, learning, and community connections. The state legislature allocated tens of millions of dollars for the project – a significant step forward. But how could the University determine the right scale and features?
The Challenge
The University of New Mexico engaged AMS to find the next pieces of the puzzle in planning the new Center for Collaborative Arts and Technology. Seeking input from faculty across the entire College of Fine Arts was critical. So was finding out the needs of prospective off-campus users, from the Santa Fe Opera to modest, community-based music initiatives.
University of New Mexico – Center for Collaborative Arts and Technology
Location: Albuquerque, NM | AMS Team: Bill Blake, Lauren Frankel, Meg Friedman
The University of New Mexico has a mission to serve students – and Albuquerque. Responding to a changing economy, University leadership pursued funding for a center that would weave together the arts, technology, learning, and community connections. The state legislature allocated tens of millions of dollars for the project – a significant step forward. But how could the University determine the right scale and features?
The Challenge
The University of New Mexico engaged AMS to find the next pieces of the puzzle in planning the new Center for Collaborative Arts and Technology. Seeking input from faculty across the entire College of Fine Arts was critical. So was finding out the needs of prospective off-campus users, from the Santa Fe Opera to modest, community-based music initiatives.
Our Approach
AMS conducted an environmental scan to understand gaps in the venue inventory in and around Albuquerque. We interviewed over two dozen performing arts faculty, local arts leaders, and funders to document their unique priorities and needs. In parallel, we reviewed University-wide policies to ensure alignment with broad organizational goals. The AMS team ultimately delivered a set of guiding principles, paired with recommendations on venue capacity, features, and a hierarchy of users who would activate the space.
Gather input
venues inventoried
depth interviews with faculty and community members
exemplars studied
guiding principles defined to shape design and operations
venues inventoried
depth interviews with faculty and community members
exemplars studied
guiding principles defined to shape design and operations
Understand the context
- Identified 29 relevant venues and analyzed them by size, alignment with specific genres, and accessibility to arts users.
- Interviewed 24+ faculty and regional arts leaders to understand specific needs, opportunities, and aspirations
Understand the context
- Identified 29 relevant venues and analyzed them by size, alignment with specific genres, and accessibility to arts users.
- Interviewed 24+ faculty and regional arts leaders to understand specific needs, opportunities, and aspirations
Create guiding principles
- Researched 4 exemplar venues to form insights on capital development, operations, and connection to academic programs
- Identify 4 ranked guiding principles to inform design, amenities, and operational planning
Create guiding principles
- Researched 4 exemplar venues to form insights on capital development, operations, and connection to academic programs
- Identify 4 ranked guiding principles to inform design, amenities, and operational planning
This wasn’t just about building a facility—it was about shaping a space that reflects UNM’s values and Albuquerque’s creative spirit. Our role was to turn bold ideas into practical guidance that supports lasting community impact.”
Bill Blake Director, AMS Planning & Research
Our Solution
AMS developed a set of guiding principles to shape design and operations. Read more here.
We recommended essential features of the future Center for Collaborative Arts and Technology, including seating capacity and technological resources.
We supported onboarding of the winning architect and acoustician, who will build on our work to address University needs and the growth of New Mexico’s creative economy.
AMS developed a set of guiding principles to shape design and operations. Read more here.
We recommended essential features of the future Center for Collaborative Arts and Technology, including seating capacity and technological resources.
We supported onboarding of the winning architect and acoustician, who will build on our work to address University needs and the growth of New Mexico’s creative economy.
Capital investment in the arts, creative industries, and education is critical to thriving communities. But how can you identify the guiding principles that will channel investment in the right direction – not just for a terrific design, but a successful operating model?
Reach out to AMS today to discuss how we can help craft guiding principles for your project.
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