Designing for Flexibility:
Inside the Gordon Center for The Performing Arts
Furniture as an extension of the design
The details mattered in this modern hall, and here, even the seating becomes part of the design story. Boston-based firm, Marcy Stefura Associates, oversaw the specification of the Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) of the space. None of these elements were treated as an afterthought, but rather as an integral part of the design decision. Colby and Marcy Stefura turned to Thos. Moser, whose handcrafted work embodies both New England heritage and modern functionality.
The Pacific Stacking Chair was chosen for its ability to meet the Center’s need for lightweight and easily reconfigurable seating. With discreet ganging hardware, the chairs can be securely locked into rows for formal performances or quickly unlinked and stacked when the floor needs to be cleared for rehearsals, workshops, or alternate programming. In large-scale cultural venues where flexibility is paramount, this level of mobility ensures the architecture is supported rather than constrained by the furniture.
As a result, the furniture is more than functional; it becomes part of the building’s identity. For architects and interior designers, this collaboration highlights how handmade furniture can unify large-scale spaces while still allowing for maximum versatility. For architects and designers working on arenas, performing arts centers, or university hubs, the Gordon Center sets a benchmark:
- Flexibility without compromise—spaces that transform yet retain acoustic and visual excellence.
- Integration across disciplines—architecture that fosters collaboration and interaction.
- Furniture as a design extension—thoughtful, high-quality pieces that match both function and aesthetic.