Hancher Auditorium, University of Iowa by Pelli Clarke Pelli

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Sanjay Gangal
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Hancher Auditorium, University of Iowa by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

June 18th, 2018 by Sanjay Gangal

Article source: Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

Widely recognized for commissioning new works of dance and music, the Hancher reaches audiences beyond the University of Iowa. The new home for this renowned institution will be on a hilltop overlooking the Iowa River, on the main route into Iowa City—a prominent location for the state’s premier performing arts presenter.

The lobby and underside of the cantilevered canopies illuminated at night, providing a dramatic, sophisticated landmark in this pastoral setting, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

Architects: Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
Project: Hancher Auditorium, University of Iowa
Location: Iowa, USA
Area: 209,000 gross square feet

Hancher is the University of Iowa’s and the region’s premier performing arts center and cultural destination located on a prominent site overlooking the Iowa River, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

With sweeping horizontal forms that echo the landscape and the curve of the river, the design draws from the building’s natural surroundings. Parallel forms cantilever at the south end of the building, creating overhangs for the lobby and a second-level terrace. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls below the cantilevers will offer views to the campus and the river, and will be seen from Hancher Bridge and points south. Lobby spaces and offices will have shaded sunlight during the day.

The shape of the rehearsal room complements the sweeping geometry of the main hall, providing a flexible space for anything from warm ups to small-staged shows, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

Sweeping shapes draw inspiration from the surrounding landscapes, echoing the form of the nearby Iowa River, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

The building’s form, massing, color, and material will complement the adjacent Levitt Center for University Advancement, a limestone-clad asymmetrical composition of geometric forms. Cladding on the Hancher’s main structure is a stainless steel shingle with a brushed satin finish. The rehearsal room, a cubic form, is clad in light-colored masonry. Together, the rehearsal room and the Levitt Center’s rotunda will frame Park Road, becoming a gateway. A new drive from the tree-lined road will be the main entrance to the theater lobby.

Hancher’s lobby, looking northeast toward the auditorium. The dynamic forms of stairs cross the atrium, creating an active, energetic space, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

Under the multi-level wooden cantilevered canopy, visitors can enjoy views of the river, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

The main venue, a proscenium theater with 1,800, will host music, dance, opera and theatrical performances. In addition, the building will contain spaces for rehearsals and teaching, offices, a scene shop and a costume shop.

Designed with a highly efficient envelope and incorporating sustainable design strategies related to the site and to building systems and controls, the building will achieve a LEED rating of at least Silver. As a replacement for the original Hancher, damaged by flooding in 2008, the building is also designed to 500-year-flood criteria.

Stainless steel “shingles” with a randomly brushed satin finish wrap around the building’s exterior, contrasting with the warm, wood tones underneath the cantilevered canopies, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

The1,800-person theater features warm wood tones and dynamic LED lighting, which can change colors and tones, adapting to each performance without intruding on the performance, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

The concentric circles of the hall “chandelier” echoes the curvature of the exterior, as well as the rolling waves of the balconies in the theater, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

The stacked layers of shapes—with the juxtaposition of the wooden underside of the cantilever and the metal façade—give an abstract, rich, and sophisticated silhouette to Hancher, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

: The lobby and underside of the cantilevered canopies illuminated at night, providing a dramatic, sophisticated landmark in this pastoral setting, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

: Hancher is the University of Iowa’s and the region’s premier performing arts center and cultural destination located on a prominent site overlooking the Iowa River, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

: The shape of the rehearsal room complements the sweeping geometry of the main hall, providing a flexible space for anything from warm ups to small-staged shows, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

: Sweeping shapes draw inspiration from the surrounding landscapes, echoing the form of the nearby Iowa River, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

: Hancher’s lobby, looking northeast toward the auditorium. The dynamic forms of stairs cross the atrium, creating an active, energetic space, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

: Under the multi-level wooden cantilevered canopy, visitors can enjoy views of the river, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

: Stainless steel “shingles” with a randomly brushed satin finish wrap around the building’s exterior, contrasting with the warm, wood tones underneath the cantilevered canopies, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

: The1,800-person theater features warm wood tones and dynamic LED lighting, which can change colors and tones, adapting to each performance without intruding on the performance, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

: The concentric circles of the hall “chandelier” echoes the curvature of the exterior, as well as the rolling waves of the balconies in the theater, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

: The stacked layers of shapes—with the juxtaposition of the wooden underside of the cantilever and the metal façade—give an abstract, rich, and sophisticated silhouette to Hancher, Image Courtesy © Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

Contact Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

Tags: Iowa, USA

Categories: Auditorium, Campus, Offices, Shop, Theater

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