a trio of high profile firms ? OMA, morphosis, and johnston marklee ? are in contention to design a new arts center for the university of illinois at chicago. the institution initiated a competition that called for ?an architecturally significant center for the arts that serves as a gateway and bridge between UIC and the world, and as a destination for innovative arts and cultural production.?

OMA new york + KOO (also main image) ? read more about the project here
 
 
as the only public research university in chicago, the university of illinois at chicago (UIC) provides a rare combination of research excellence and public access to higher education. UIC?s school of theatre & music (STM) will be the primary occupant of the proposed center. every year, the school presents four main stage theater productions and more than 50 concerts, all of which are open to the public.
OMA new york + KOO
 
 
planned for chicago?s near west side, the project aims to provide radically accessible spaces for all users, including students, faculty, staff, and audiences. the program for the ?center for the arts? comprises a building of approximately 88,000 gross square feet. the two primary performance spaces include a vineyard style concert hall for 500 people and a flexible main stage theater for 270 guests.

OMA new york + KOO
 
 
additional programs for music include a large instrumental rehearsal hall and a large choral rehearsal hall, while programs for theater include productio...