Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects to Design New University of Iowa Performing Arts Center

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Iowa has chosen Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects to design the new Hancher Auditorium, a replacement for the renowned performing arts center damaged in a 2008 flood. The firm was one of four finalists in a selection process that attracted 59 entrants from around the world.

"We are honored to be selected to design the new Hancher Auditorium," said Cesar Pelli, FAIA, senior principal of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects. "We look forward to creating a building that will capture the energy and excitement of this great institution."

Known for its innovative programming and for commissioning new works of music and dance, Hancher Auditorium is among the nation's top university-based performance venues. The new building will overlook the Iowa River from atop a hill on the main route into Iowa City. Just north of the original 1972 Max Abramovitz building, the site is adjacent to the Levitt Center, a campus landmark. The design will draw from the site's natural surroundings and sustainability will be a priority.

"The new Hancher Auditorium will have a forward-looking, highly sustainable design," said Fred Clarke, FAIA, senior principal of the firm. "This will truly be a performing arts center for the 21st century."

The new 144,770-gross-square-foot building will include a proscenium theater and spaces for rehearsals and teaching. Construction of the building, which will be partially funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is expected to begin in spring 2012.

Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects has designed leading performing arts centers including the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, Wisc. In addition, the firm has designed academic buildings for the performing arts for such clients as Grinnell College, Vassar College, DePaul University and the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Founded in 1977 and led by Cesar Pelli, Fred Clarke, and Rafael Pelli, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects has designed some of the world's most recognizable buildings, including the World Financial Center in New York, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, and the International Finance Centre in Hong Kong. The firm has been honored with critical acclaim and hundreds of design awards, including the American Institute of Architects' Firm Award and the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

SOURCE Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

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