Studio Arts Hall
Why Reconstruct?
A facilities proposal responding to the growth of Drake University’s Art & Design program, prioritizing professional-grade space, security, and presentation to support portfolio development and emerging creative talent.
Key Changes
This redesign builds on the existing Studio Arts Hall to strengthen Art & Design facilities within the College of Arts & Sciences. Expanded studio space, increased storage, dedicated faculty offices, and accommodations for larger student work address current capacity limitations and better support a range of creative disciplines.
Draft Sketch #2
Draft Sketch #1
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Gallery: Host First Fridays, student-led exhibitions, and gallery shows to increase visibility and engagement.
Auditorium: An official, dedicated space for lectures, artist talks, and performances, complementing gallery exhibitions and fostering a stronger connection between students and the art world.
Studio Spaces: Provide individual studio spaces equipped with drafting tables, shelves, and dividers for work display, available 24/7 to support ongoing projects.
Freight Elevator: A specialized elevator designed to move large, fragile, or valuable artworks and equipment easily between floors, facilitating smooth transitions and protecting students' work.
Rooftop/Outdoor Terrace: A dedicated space for students to work on outdoor projects, offering a private, relaxing retreat away from public areas, as well projects that might require specific ventilation or are potentially harmful performed inside. Our spray booths are insufficient.
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To remain competitive with top-tier institutions, we must continue to grow our faculty by recruiting professors who bring both academic credentials and practical expertise in the arts. Additionally, this reconstruction project will incorporate architectural elements that honor Drake's historical and cultural identity, while enhancing the program's future.
The new facility will reflect the architectural style of renowned designers such as Mies van der Rohe, Eliel Saarinen, and Eero Saarinen. This design approach will tie into the rich legacy of Drake University and its role in fostering intellectual growth.
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Drawing from Brutalist architecture and the existing design of Harmon Fine Arts Center and Carnegie Hall, the interior of the new facility will blend these influences with a more robust, comprehensive layout. To manage the complexities of the new structure, the interior will feature an open, atrium-like design, ensuring that the space feels both expansive and inviting. This concept is inspired by the Art Building at the University of Tennessee, offering an integrated, seamless flow across floors.