Model of Fine Arts Center Complex Unveiled Eastern Illinois University art, music
and theatre arts faculty, administrators and friends of the university
got their first formal glimpse of the design of the new Doudna Fine
Arts Center addition during a special showing Monday of the model of
the fine arts complex.
Representatives from Cannon Design of Chicago, executive architects for the
fine arts renovation and expansion project, were joined by project design architect
Antoine Predock who detailed plans for the $45-plus million facility which
will serve as an "architectural centerpiece" for the EIU campus and provide
a more effective instructional and performance environment.
The project includes renovations to the existing Fine Arts Center located south
of the University Union, the demolition of the building's glass wing housing
the art department and the construction of 138,000 square feet of new space
including a large addition east of the original building.
The addition will "completely envelop" the saved portions of the existing Fine
Arts Center, providing an exciting new exterior aesthetic on all sides. It
has been described by Cannon Design "as an iconic destination -- a glowing
prism that announces arrival with nodes of hot spots (proscenium theatre, recital
hall, lecture hall, Dvorak Hall, band rehearsal). Each hot spot is clad with
a different type of glass (black for Studio Theatre, red for faculty/student
lounge, mirrored at recital/Dvorak, translucent at proscenium theatre)."
"The lounge is hearth; the playhouse has a translucent flow, and the recital/Dvorak
- a hall of mirrors. The prism has tributary veins that begin to carve through
the existing building and link sequences of events. Halls double for critique/display
and adhoc adventures. Catwalks in lobby allow for performances to spill out,
and everyone who enters the lobby becomes part of the experience."
The eastward expansion of the Fine Arts Center will require the closing of
a portion of south Seventh Street, most of which will be converted to a vehicle-free
pedestrian concourse.
The Clinical Services building housing the Department of Communication Disorders
and Sciences and Health Services and the Buzzard House, which is occupied by
EIU Counseling Center staff, will be demolished to make room for the new addition.
The complex will extend across the Seventh Street pedestrian concourse and
will wrap around a new vehicular cul-de-sac/drop off on the east side. Interior
pedestrian concourses will allow students and faculty to easily traverse campus
and participate in the activities of the art, music and theatre arts departments,
which will occupy three discrete areas but will be joined by glass arteries.
Some music and theatre space in the existing facility will remain but will
be renovated. Other improvements include a complete renovation of Dvorak Concert
Hall, the conversion of the existing Theatre to a 225-seat recital hall
and the construction of a new 250-seat proscenium theatre that will be located
in the new addition.
The expanded Fine Arts Center will have convenient parking, accessible from
both Garfield and Ninth streets.
"It is intended to be a signature building that reflects the creative process
in function and design and will meet the needs of current and future majors and
non-majors," said Jim Johnson, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities.
"The project has generated a great deal of energy and excitement, particularly
because of its potential to shape the future of the cultural life of the area," Johnson
added.
The completed design for the Illinois Capital Development Board-funded project
is expected to be finalized by mid-November when architects will begin preparing
construction documents that will take about a year to complete. Construction
is anticipated to begin fall 2002 with an estimated completion date of fall
2005.
-- EIU News, Media Relations --
Statement from the Dean of the EIU College of Arts and Humanities
"For the fine arts to flourish they must have an environment that is conducive to the creative process. The renovation and addition to the Doudna Fine Arts Center will provide an environment in which students can explore new ideas and technologies and develop to their fullest potential their skills and talents as performing and visual artist.
In addition to administrative and faculty offices and general classrooms, key elements of the new facility will be:
State-of-the-art computer labs
Graphics design drafting labs and studios
Well-equipped studio space for metals, printmaking, drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and teacher education
New percussion labs
Electric piano, music and keyboard labs
A new band, choral and orchestra rehearsal studio
Expanded music library and music practice space
Renovation of the Dvorak Concert Hall
Conversion of the main stage theatre to a second recital hall
A new movement studio
Expansion of scene and costume shops and related storage space
A new 275-seat proscenium theatre
Studio theatre (black box)
150-seat lecture hall
Equally important, the facility will provide an open and inviting environment that will encourage the exchange of ideas, embrace the freedom of individual expression and enhance the public's awareness, understanding and appreciation of the arts.
The original Fine Art Center was built in 1958 with the art wing added in 1959 and theatre in 1972 and consists of approximately 69,861 square feet of space. The new facility will consist of approximately 138,696 square feet of space. When completed, the facility will showcase our three fine arts departments in a manner that will be a source of pride both for EIU and the citizens of the state of Illinois."
Jim Johnson
Dean, EIU College of Arts and Humanities
