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
Building Team Awards | Oct 21, 2020
Big Room equals big results
Tucson’s Banner University Medical Center is honored with a Gold Award in the 2020 Building Team Awards.
Building Team Awards | Oct 21, 2020
New York’s STEM epicenter and career gateway
The CUNY New York City College of Technology Academic Building wins a Gold Award in BD+C’s 2020 Building Team Awards.
University Buildings | Sep 16, 2020
A new interprofessional hub opens on U. Minnesota’s campus
The Health Sciences Education Center includes two floors for simulation and immersive training.
University Buildings | Sep 10, 2020
Des Moines University begins construction on new 88-acre campus
RDG Planning & Design is the design firm.
Airports | Sep 10, 2020
The Weekly show: Curtis Fentress, FAIA, on airport design, and how P3s are keeping university projects alive
The September 10 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand.
University Buildings | Sep 8, 2020
William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center opens at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs
HOK and RTA designed the project.
University Buildings | Sep 2, 2020
University of North Carolina Charlotte Academic Complex completes
Woolpert provided design and engineering upgrades for the project.
University Buildings | Aug 31, 2020
Spain’s Loyola University earns world’s first LEED Platinum verification for an ‘integrated campus’
luis vidal + architects designed the project.
Giants 400 | Aug 28, 2020
2020 Giants 400 Report: Ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms
The 2020 Giants 400 Report features more than 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.
University Buildings | Aug 27, 2020
Eight strategies for achieving successful P3 development models
Transparency and communication are imperative, says new white paper on these agreements.