The Iowa flood of 2008 ruined many buildings beyond repair, including four structures on the University of Iowa’s campus. One of these structures, Hancher Auditorium, was the leading performing arts presenter in the state and was known for commissioning many national and international artists to create and perform dance and theater.
After the floodwaters receded, FEMA determined the auditorium could not be salvaged and needed to be replaced. FEMA funded a substantial portion of the auditorium’s rebuilding with Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects receiving the sought after commission.
Now, Hancher Auditorium has become the first of the four newly constructed campus buildings to open. The building’s design uses sweeping horizontal forms that are meant to mimic the landscape and the curve of the river. Two parallel forms cantilever at the south end of the building with floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering panoramic views of the neighboring campus and river. The cantilevers create two overhangs, one for the lobby and one for the second-story terrace.
The new Hancher Auditorium officially opened on Sept. 9.
Photo courtesy of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
Photo courtesy of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
Related Stories
| May 9, 2012
Shepley Bulfinch given IIDA Design award for Woodruff Library?
The design challenges included creating an entry sequence to orient patrons and highlight services; establishing a sense of identity visible from the exterior; and providing a flexible extended-hours access for part of the learning commons.
| May 8, 2012
Morgan/Harbour completes three projects at Columbia Centre
Projects completed on behalf of property owner, White Oak Realty Partners, LLC, Pearlmark Realty Partners, LLC and Angelo Gordon & Co.
| May 7, 2012
2012 BUILDING TEAM AWARDS: TD Ameritrade Park
The new stadium for the College World Series in Omaha combines big-league amenities within a traditional minor league atmosphere.
| May 3, 2012
2012 BUILDING TEAM AWARDS: Rush University Medical Center
This fully integrated Building Team opted for a multi-prime contracting strategy to keep construction going on Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center, despite the economic meltdown.
| May 3, 2012
U of Michigan team looking to create highly efficient building envelope designs
The system combines the use of sensors, novel construction materials, and utility control software in an effort to create technology capable of reducing a building’s carbon footprint.
| May 2, 2012
Building Team completes two additions at UCLA
New student housing buildings are part of UCLA’s Northwest Campus Student Housing In-Fill Project.
| May 1, 2012
Construction is underway on MLK ambulatory care center in L.A.
Featuring a variety of sustainable features, the new facility is designed to achieve LEED Gold Certification.
| Apr 30, 2012
Virginia Commonwealth unveils design for Arts Institution
Institute for Contemporary Art will serve as a catalyst for exhibitions, programs, research and collaboration.
| Apr 25, 2012
J.C. Anderson selected for 50,000-sf build out at Chicago’s DePaul University
The build-out will consist of the construction of new offices, meeting rooms, video rooms and a state-of-the-art multi-tiered Trading Room.
| Apr 17, 2012
Princeton Review releases “Guide to 322 Green Colleges”
The guide profiles 322 institutions of higher education in the U.S. and Canada that demonstrate notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation.
