Amherst Common Bandshell Designs

Inspired by Olmsted

This fall, the Town of Amherst held a design competition for a new bandshell on the Amherst Common. The program brief called for one 18’ x 24’ covered performance structure to be located on the east side of Amherst Common, in the spot that Frederick Law Olmsted originally proposed in 1874. Other parameters indicated that the structure be open on all four sides, with special consideration for lighting, acoustics, and the historic character of background buildings.

On Display

RDG’s Sebastian Gutwein teamed up with members of Fitch Architecture & Community Design and Bensonwood to create a dynamic and accessible design with cultural connections to Amherst. Their submission is one of 16 on display throughout November at The Jones Library in Amherst. A jury of seven people, including representatives from the Select Board, Planning Board, and Historical Commission will decide a winner. The public is welcome to view the anonymous submissions and vote for a People’s Choice Award. Both decisions will be announced at a reception on Friday, December 7th at 4:00 pm at Amherst Works.