Columbia University Receives SARA National Design Award for Walter and Shirley Wang Pavilion
The Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) awarded Columbia University’s Walter and Shirley Wang Pavilion as a Category Winner in its 2025 National Design Awards, an annual competition that celebrates projects for their sustainable elements, functionality, and design excellence. The renovation was recognized with the highest award in the Architectural Interiors category at an awards gala held on November 15 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
The Wang Pavilion is a two-story, world-class venue for musical, dance, and artist performances, and arts-related programming and activities encompassing 4,932 square feet. Its lower level features a 300-square-foot stage with color-changing LED backlighting, acoustical wall panels and ceiling treatment, and a new AV and sound system. A separate lounge located upstairs can also be used as a reception space.
The renovation reconstructed the staircase and reimagined the previously underutilized “B60 / Party Space to create a versatile, modern events venue that can be configured for rowed seating, standing room, banquet setups, recitals, and more.
Since opening in fall 2023, the Wang Pavilion has hosted a wide range of events and serves as a teaching and student performance space for the Music Department.
The project was made possible by a donation from University Trustee Shirley Wang BUS’93 and Walter Wang. It marks the final installment of a three-part initiative to create new, vital spaces for the undergraduate community, following the opening of the Walter and Shirley Fan Wang ESPORTS room in 2022 and restoration of John Jay Hall Lounge in 2021.
Jack A. Gordon Architects, the architectural firm that designed the space, received the award.
In addition to the SARA National Design Award, the Wang Pavilion has been recognized with a 2024 Awards of Excellence Honor Award in the Small Space category by Learning by Design and a 2024 Outstanding Designs recognition in the Interior Renovation category by American School & University.
Founded in 1956, SARA is a national organization that brings together architects and industry related partners to foster fellowship, mentorship, and collaboration. SARA focuses on advancing the architectural profession, promoting sustainability, and giving back to the community.
To learn more and reserve the Wang Pavilion, visit the Event Management site.