translucent floating trapezoids top steven holl's arts center for university of pennsylvania

Steven Holl to build Student Performing Arts Center in the us

Steven Holl Architects has undertaken the design of the upcoming Student Performing Arts Center for the University of Pennsylvania’s historic campus. The new building will emerge as a contemporary and versatile venue and serve as a home for various artistic disciplines such as dance, theater arts and Cappella groups.

Taking inspiration from the vibrant energy of the dancers and performers, the architects opted for a more dynamic form that exudes motion and adaptability. Thus, the resulting architecture features three trapezoidal volumes floating above the ground, with generous amounts of glass providing openness and transparency, allowing the surrounding landscape to spill inside. When dark, the building changes into a luminous beacon, emanating a soft glow and allowing for selective views to permeate from the inside out.

all images © Steven Holl Architects

a vibrant gateway to the University of Pennsylvania’s campus

Generous amounts of red terracotta accompany the transparent and translucent glazed facades, bringing the building in harmony with the campus setting, including the iconic Frank Furness-designed Fisher Fine Arts Library. The new Center by Steven Holl Architects (see more here) is expected to feature a 300-seat main stage with a fly tower and orchestra pit, a 125-seat flexible studio theater, and five rehearsal studios, along with performance support spaces and a loading dock.

All these amenities seek to establish an inviting hub for the arts communities and frame a dynamic escape to the historic campus. Construction is scheduled to start in fall 2024, with an estimated completion in winter 2027. Moreover, the building aims to achieve LEED Silver certification and will stand as a model of sustainable design for performing arts facilities.

the building will target LEED silver certification and serve as an exemplar of sustainable performing arts design

Situated along Woodland Walk and adjacent to Jenny Holzer’s 125 Years text-based sculpture, which celebrates the history of women at Penn, the new Center will activate the northeast corner of Penn’s campus. Its presence will enhance the welcoming gateway, maximizing visibility and accessibility to the vibrant creative life on campus. The dedicated and adaptable student performance and rehearsal venues will support an expanding and diverse arts community at the University.

The proposal for the Center emerged from recommendations put forth in a 2019 study conducted by Penn’s University Life. The study identified the need for additional performance and rehearsal spaces to meet the current and future demands. With over 70 student performing arts groups, the new Center will serve as a dynamic and flexible hub for dance, theater, singing, comedy, and other art forms, catering to the diverse interests of student groups.

transparent and translucent glass allows for selective views to permeate from the inside out