University Church Organ
Location: Fordham University Rose Hill Campus NYClient: Fordham UniversityStatus: Completed 2013-2014
Architect: Matthews Moya ArchitectsDesign: Frank X. Moya AIA LEED
Type: ARTS - Alterations and Renovations
In preparation for the installation of two new organs, the renovations of the historical 1846 campus church had several interconnected goals: the aesthetic fit of the new organ casework with the historical details of the church; the physical alterations and expansion to the choir gallery and Sanctuary that would accommodate the new instruments, and the preparation of ancillary spaces and equipment necessary to sustain these. Moreover, the University requested that all new details and improvements should look and feel like they have always been there
Critical to the new installation was the renovation of the existing bell tower housing the organ fan mechanism. The 1846 stone structure required considerable interior renovations to repair the existing masonry and balance the atmospheric pressure between the stacked tower compartments that also handled the overall building ventilation and the belfry. A revolutionary design concept was developed by the architectural team for the new organ plenum which made use of a pre-fabricated, insulated refrigeration box to house the climate controlled enclosure for the new organ fans and provide acoustical isolation. This new approach to organ plenums has been spreading since among the organ fabricators guild worldwide.
Critical to the new installation was the renovation of the existing bell tower housing the organ fan mechanism. The 1846 stone structure required considerable interior renovations to repair the existing masonry and balance the atmospheric pressure between the stacked tower compartments that also handled the overall building ventilation and the belfry. A revolutionary design concept was developed by the architectural team for the new organ plenum which made use of a pre-fabricated, insulated refrigeration box to house the climate controlled enclosure for the new organ fans and provide acoustical isolation. This new approach to organ plenums has been spreading since among the organ fabricators guild worldwide.
