MEDIA RELEASE PR41289
Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects to Design New University of Iowa Performing Arts Center
NEW HAVEN, Conn., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
Firm selected from international pool for Hancher Auditorium
The University of Iowa has chosen Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
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
CONTACT: Elizabeth Acas
Marketing Communications Coordinator
Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
+1-203-777-2515
f +1-203-787-2856
eacas@pcparch.com
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