The University of Iowa hired OPN Architects to explore the re-purposing Riverside Recital Hall as a contemporary workplace for the University of Iowa Foundation. The existing laminated wood cross-braces, exposed wood decking, and long-span structure form a unique and generous volume of space, but the layout and organization of the current facility did not support an office environment.

The space needs assessment began with a facility walk-through, documentation of the existing facilities, and visioning meetings with users. Ultimately, the feasibility study included space planning, multiple test-fit furniture layouts, architectural analysis of existing conditions, architectural and structural analysis of the existing building envelope, mechanical and electrical analysis of existing systems, and recommendations to re-purpose the building.

The University retained OPN to execute on the facility assessment and move the Advancement Services offices into this space. The new Advancement Services Building design concept offered a solution to bring in natural daylight and re-clad an under-insulated and deteriorating exterior envelope, tackling two of the facility’s biggest challenges.