The Hancher Project

Widely recognized for commissioning new works of dance and music, Hancher reaches audiences well beyond The University of Iowa. The new home for this renowned institution is on the University campus, overlooking the Iowa River, a picturesque location for the state’s premier performing arts center. In 2008 a dramatic 500-year flood devastated a large portion of the University of Iowa Art Campus. In 2012, in collaboration with Pelli Clark Pelli, Balmori Associates set out to re-imagine the relationship between the Iowa River and its surrounding landscape where the Arts Campus resides. The new $132-million performing arts center replaces the original iconic Hancher. Adam Mekies, at siLAB, was contracted by the Balmori and Confluence site design teams for technical site design, three-dimensional construction modeling, and architectural site BIM coordination. Realizations in graphic and design alterations to the master plan and detailed design were dynamic throughout the process. 

Adam Mekies as siLAB - construction detailing, Construction modeling and computational design specialist, Site / Architectural BIM integration 

Credits and Prime Consultants: Pelli Clarke Pelli, OPN Architects, Confluence, Balmori Associates 

Awards 

2017 Masters Award Exemplary Construction, Master Builders of IA 2017 Award of Excellence, International Association of Lighting Design 2012 Merit Award for Design, Central States Region - ASLA