University of Iowa – Hancher Auditorium

Iowa City, Iowa, USA

Team

OPN Architects, Architect of Record; Cedar Rapids, IA
Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, Design Architect; New Haven, CT
Theatre Projects Consultants, Theatre Consultants; South Norwalk, CT

Project Description

FEMA-funded replacement for a beloved and busy 1972 auditorium, badly damaged in 2008 flooding.

New Hancher will be built nearby on higher ground, overlooking the river. Like the original, it will serve as the largest performances space for the music, theater, and dance programs at the University of Iowa, while also providing the community of Iowa City with a first class venue for touring performances of all kinds. The new PAC will include a 2050 seat multi-purpose hall, with special emphasis on dance, plus a rehearsal room, cafe, and a 400 seat flexible performance room. Kirkegaard is working in close collaboration with Theatre Projects Consultants, Architect of Record OPN, and Design Architect Pelli Clarke Pelli to provide room acoustics, noise control, and isolation design.