Drake Creative Studios
STUDIO ARTS BUILDING
Fall 2023 I ARCH 401 I Prof. Paul Mankins I Credit: Aria Hanson
An exterior render of the south-western approach.
This comprehensive studio emphasizes utilizing knowledge and skills from previous studios and courses to create a developed building proposal. Integrating building systems to support occupants was a key theme during this studio. Overall, the brief asked to design a new studio arts building for Drake University’s campus (Des Moines, IA).
Our project, Drake Creative Studios, aimed to provide a curated design building compared to the established Harmon Fine Arts Building. One key issue in Harmon was the lack of clear circulation and gathering spaces. Drake Creative Studios provides an atrium space dedicated to gathering and circulation. Drake Creative Studios houses six new studios, seminar rooms, faculty offices, a cafe, a gallery, and a new lecture space.
Site Plan
We ensured that our design continued and respected the pre-existing setbacks and principles established by Drake University's campus.
Floor Plans
The three-story building has a south and north entrance. The building features a triple-height atrium along the east facade, connecting the north and south nodes. Studios overlook the atrium from the interior balconies, while the lecture hall with stepped seating is located at the northern end.
Massing Operations
Align
Program
Extrude Height
Transparency
Subtraction
Circulation
Voids
Shading
Perspective Section
Elevations
The core educational programs are housed by the central mass, distinguished by Drake’s traditional red brick.
