The King Academic & Performing Arts Center
When three distinct institutions needed to share one building, we transformed this complex challenge into an opportunity for creative synergy. The King Center demanded a space where academic rigor could coexist with artistic expression—where classroom discussions could happen just steps away from performances. We designed a building that respects campus context while confidently announcing its artistic purpose through transparent lobbies that reveal traditionally hidden spaces. The result bridges educational functionality with performance versatility, creating a vibrant hub where drama, dance, and music find their voice.
Each performance space tells its own story while contributing to a larger narrative. The 200-seat Recital Hall offers intimate acoustics with operational simplicity, perfect for frequent student performances. The 350-seat Courtyard Theatre transforms between configurations—end stage, thrust, or in-the-round—while maintaining visual completeness in each arrangement. The Concert Hall adapts from solo performances to full orchestral productions through thoughtful acoustic adjustments that students can master quickly. Production Studios for each venue provide flexible rehearsal spaces that expand programming possibilities.
Each performance space tells its own story while contributing to a larger narrative. The 200-seat Recital Hall offers intimate acoustics with operational simplicity, perfect for frequent student performances. The 350-seat Courtyard Theatre transforms between configurations—end stage, thrust, or in-the-round—while maintaining visual completeness in each arrangement. The Concert Hall adapts from solo performances to full orchestral productions through thoughtful acoustic adjustments that students can master quickly. Production Studios for each venue provide flexible rehearsal spaces that expand programming possibilities.
Key Features
- Three acoustically isolated performance venues with distinct technical capabilities
- Flexible Production Studios that function as rehearsal spaces or black box theaters
- Transparent lobbies that reveal artistic activity to the campus community
- Complete orchestra pit for diverse musical and dance productions
- Mobile audience seating system enabling multiple theatrical configurations
- Integrated academic wing with classrooms and faculty offices
Key Features
- Three acoustically isolated performance venues with distinct technical capabilities
- Flexible Production Studios that function as rehearsal spaces or black box theaters
- Transparent lobbies that reveal artistic activity to the campus community
- Complete orchestra pit for diverse musical and dance productions
- Mobile audience seating system enabling multiple theatrical configurations
- Integrated academic wing with classrooms and faculty offices
We orchestrated the center's layout as a careful dance between separation and connection. An acoustically isolated academic wing shares the main entry with performance spaces, creating natural circulation paths that guide visitors between worlds. The three distinct performance venues—each with specific technical requirements—are positioned to allow shared back-of-house facilities while maintaining their unique identities. Common areas serve as social condensers where students from different disciplines naturally interact, fostering the creative collisions that spark innovation.
Simplicity at Every Turn
Embracing an inclusive ethos, Hurley Place positions itself with the river as its focal point, inviting diverse communities and fostering economic vibrancy. The Riverfront development is comprised of two residential towers, a hotel tower, and an expansive central open space connecting to the river. This central connector is flanked by food & beverage and retail establishments and serves as both a connection to the Promenade but also a gathering space for the community.
