A multi-purpose meeting and event space, the Columbia University Manhattanville Forum features a state-of- the-art steel façade, an innovative foamed-in-place, precast exterior wall system, and acoustically-isolated 430-seat auditorium, to enable the kind of shared mixing-valve meeting space Columbia has historically lacked.
Front provided consulting services through all phases–from early speculative system design, development, procurement, and generated specifications and basis of design analysis. Expertise in glass coatings, treatments, and simulation helped to determine how to minimize heat gain, maximize daylighting, and maintain occupant comfort.

The building boasts acoustically-optimized rooms, visiting faculty offices, and open gathering spaces. Glass parapets, cantilevering extensions, canopies, and unique project geometry that presented many complications. Front produced packages for special approvals as well as reports for improving client-side clarity. Our firm collaborated with both the designers and coordinating delivery-side team to advance the project on schedule.