UIC Center for the Arts Competition
Fluted facades of perforated metal panels wrap two memorably stepped forms to house the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Center for the Arts. Conceived as part of an enhanced entry sequence at a prominent corner of the university, the $95 million complex celebrates the place of the arts within the community while respecting the bold form making of the original SOM/Walter Netsch-designed campus.
UrbanWorks teamed with Los Angeles-based Johnston Marklee to design the 88,000-square-foot facility to house UIC’s School of Theatre and Music, with the primary forms enclosing a 500-seat concert hall and 270-seat main stage theatre. Support spaces include an exhibition hall, rehearsal spaces, and café.
The exterior walls of stepped metal screens define dynamic interior public spaces that provide solar shading and enhance natural ventilation throughout the complex. The UIC Center for the Arts recalibrates the campus’ iconic mid-century concrete and glass architecture in 21st century forms and materials.