Studio Arts Hall
Facility Addition/Reconstruction Project Proposal
Why Reconstruct?
The Art & Design program at Drake University has seen significant growth, driven by rising interest from students pursuing art careers. This expansion requires a strategic investment in state-of-the-art facilities to support professional-quality work and portfolios. As demand increases, Drake must enhance its resources to stay competitive and attract top talent to its Art & Design programs. These upgraded facilities will provide the necessary space, security, and presentation capabilities to meet the growing needs of both incoming and current students.
Problems Identified
This redesign aims to build upon and enhance the existing studio arts hall’s facility resources for the College of Arts & Sciences; focusing on Art & Design. Key goals include expanding studio space, increasing storage, adding faculty offices, and accommodating larger student projects. The current setup struggles with limited studio and storage capacity, forcing students to share space and face difficulties in securing storage for their artwork. This redesign will address these issues and better support a wide range of creative disciplines.
Draft Sketch #2
Draft Sketch #1
This project would require careful planning, collaboration, development, fundraising, and strategic campaigning. While there’s always some risk, if managed properly, Drake’s Art program will not only maintain its reputation but will emerge with one of the finest art facilities in the United States. This, alongside our esteemed programs in Law and Actuarial Science, will solidify Drake's standing as a leading institution.
Facilitation Proposal
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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.
Students currently struggle to store large or delicate works, like sculptures, in spaces not designed for art storage, such as dorms or fraternity houses. With an expensive annual tution, undergraduate students would benefit greatly from new and improved storage systems in place by the University for their projects. Providing those who are enrolled in full-time studio coursework with a dedicated private/semi-private workspace within a larger communal setting would create a professional environment, ensuring secure storage and space to work on projects across various creative disciplines.