University of Northern Iowa Davis Recital Hall

Overview

New 300-seat recital hall is part of the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center and provides a flexible setting to support rehearsals, and performances and special events.

A flat-floored venue, the design incorporated flexible architectural and acoustical elements, including retractable seating risers with integral seating and acoustical curtains. In addition, a removable area of the floor, with steps for additional seating below the elevation of the floor, creates a “raised stage” to formalize the venue for performances.

The space includes a perimeter gallery that accommodates important technical, acoustical and visual functions. The gallery wraps entirely around the performance space, including the platform, also allowing additional seating, and is intentionally set at a low elevation to scale down the space.