Purdue University, Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Visual and Performing Arts

In 1998, Auerbach Pollock Friedlander began working with Purdue University to verify the school’s facility department program study. This study called for replacing existing studios and classrooms housed in temporary structures, with new visual and performing arts facilities. This extensive project included visual art studios, performance, rehearsal and studio classroom facilities for the theatre and dance departments, a proscenium theatre, a multiform studio theatre, dance studios, and future 1,800-seat touring venue.

Auerbach Pollock Friedlander provided programming, master planning and full-scope consulting for the performing arts spaces, which included a 2,000-seat theatre space for use as a rental facility and the multiform studio 1,000-seat Loeb Playhouse. The theatres’ audio-video systems, lighting, rigging and machinery, were designed in collaboration with the faculty to assure that they met the university’s needs. Innovative elements were incorporated into each space to address teaching requirements, student safety, audience enjoyment and barrier free design.

Phase 1, completed in 2003, included the visual arts spaces, two dance studios and associated support spaces, as well as the drama department classrooms, studios and core and shell for the 300-seat proscenium Nancy T. Hansen Theatre; and the 150-seat Carole and Gordon Mallett Theatre, a flexible space black box for the drama department. Phase II, completed in 2005, included the fit-out of the theatres, as well as audio-video studios and production control suites.

Architect: HGA Architects and Engineers
Architect of Record: Scholer Corporation
Acoustics: Jaffe Holden
Size: 176,000 SF
Cost: $47,000,000
Completion: 2003/2005