LOCATION
Iowa City, Iowa

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
IP Design Group engaged with architect Pelli Clarke Pelli during the earliest programming and conceptual design stages of the University of Iowa’s Hancher Auditorium to integrate the building systems with its unique architecture, while also supporting the varied needs of a performance space. This facility replaces the original flood-damaged Hancher building and is now at seven feet above the 500-year flood level. The replacement includes a large 1,900-seat, multi-purpose proscenium theater; front-of-house and back-of-house support spaces; rehearsal room; and administrative offices. The School of Music program space, consisting of the scene shop, costume shop, recording studio, and performing arts production offices was also incorporated.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• LEED Gold.
• Coordinated modeling was used to ensure technology devices were placed in discreet or unseen locations to preserve the iconic architecture.
• The design completely isolates the auditorium structure from the rest of the building to ensure the ideal acoustics required for a state-of-the-art facility.
• Liberal use of horizontally and vertically curved surfaces required cutting-edge Revit customization to ensure accurate collaboration.

Photography credit: Main Street Studio