University of Dubuque, Heritage Center

Dubuque, Iowa

Firm

Straka Johnson Architects, PC

Client

University of Dubuque

Area

80,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$25,000,000

Completion Date

03/2013

The University of Dubuque recently unveiled the Heritage Center, with “Art by Osmosis” as the theme, inviting people of all walks to happen upon art in its myriad forms, intentionally and accidentally, in their work, study, recreation and entertainment.

At about 80,000 square feet, the Heritage Center blends with existing campus architecture in a new and playful way. The architecture is influenced by music from the exterior’s flowing organic forms, which emulate a treble clef on its side, through the interior, with serpentine pathways, free-form finish elements, and curvilinear gathering and work places. The building exudes artistic expression in and of itself both at night and day, from afar and from within. 

Primary functions include an active and casual student campus center and formal performing arts center, with overlaps meant to encourage interaction and interest.

Student spaces include a cafe/commons; convenience store; ice cream parlor; the campus mail/copy/print center; and offices for faculty and student life. Classrooms are situated throughout, and include a computer/music composition lab, visual (fine) arts classroom, choral music classroom, and numerous practice and rehearsal rooms. Group study and seminar rooms throughout support the more than 40 active student clubs and organizations.

Public spaces include a 1,000-seat performance hall and lobby; 200-seat black-box theater and auditorium space; and art gallery. The performance hall can accommodate campus, local, regional and national troupes in music, dance, public speaking and drama, along with instruction. The audience seating is composed of numerous “vineyard” seating platforms, balcony tiers and boxes, with uncompromised views and acoustics—enabling the hall to be scalable and serve the smallest to the largest performance.

The black-box theater is malleable to accommodate every form of performance setting, from a thrust to arena stage configuration, as well as being flexible for lecture and public address events.

The building is served by geothermal mechanical heating and cooling systems. Careful attention has been given to energy efficiency throughout, including the building envelope, daylight harvesting, LED lighting and displacement air ventilation.

Additional Information

Capacity

1,200

Cost per Sq Ft

$312.50

Featured in

2013 Architectural Portfolio

Category

Specialized

Product suppliers specified

Carpet by Bigelow
Carpet by Durkan
Carpet by Lees
Carpet by Mannington
Carpet by Mohawk Commercial Carpet
Flooring by Forbo Flooring Systems
Flooring by Mannington
Flooring by Johnsonite
Door Hardware by ASSA ABLOY
Door Hardware by Glynn-Johnson
Door Hardware by Ingersoll Rand
Doors by Curries
Doors by Overly Door Co.
Elevators by KONE
Plumbing by Kohler
Plumbing by Zurn
Roofing by Versico
Roofing by CertainTeed
Skylights by Imperial Glass
Windows by Insulite Skylights
Windows by Graham Architectural Products
Fire/Life-Safety Systems by Larsen's
Locks by Stanley
HVAC Units by Airflow Systems
HVAC Control Devices by Johnson Controls
Draperies/Blinds by Secoa
Kitchen Equipment by Halton
Lockers by Superior Lockers
Whiteboards / Markerboards / Chalkboards by EverWhite
Acoustics/Sound Systems by Secoa
Insulation by ACH Foam Technologies
Brick/Masonry by Glen-Gery
Ceilings by USG
Ceramic Tile by American Olean
Ceramic Tile by Dal-Tile
Ceramic Tile by Empire Masonry Corp
Ceramic Tile by Tau Ceramica
Ceramic Tile by Aqua Bath
Door Hardware by Stanley
Door Hardware by Zero International
Door Hardware by Schlage
Doors by Marshfield Door Systems
Movable Partitions/Walls by Won Door
Paint/Wallcoverings by Sherwin-Williams
Locks by Best Access Systems
Auditorium/Assembly Furniture by Sauder
Drinking Fountains by Elkay
Washroom Accessories by American Specialties
Washroom Fixtures by Kohler
Washroom Fixtures by Delta Faucet
Washroom Fixtures by Chicago Faucets
Washroom/Shower Partitions by Scranton Products
Cabinets by Techline
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