The University of Iowa Visual Arts Building replaces the School of Art and Art History functions that were housed in the 1930's Art Building, which experienced significant flood damage in 2008. The 126,000 square-foot facility provide studio space for ceramics, sculpture, metals, photography, printmaking, 3D design, intermedia, animation and graphic design, as well as graduate student studios, faculty and staff studios and offices, and gallery space.

A punched concrete frame structure composed of cast-in-place concrete provides thermal mass at the exterior while "bubble" slabs incorporating the Cobiax bubble deck system provide radiant cooling and heating. Computer modeling software was utilized to design the irregular shape of the structure and to coordinate the installation of the complex exposed mechanical pipes and ductwork. Key design features include significant daylighting, natural ventilation at the atrium skylight, a Rheinzink skin in weathering blue-green with a perforated stainless steel scrim for sun shade covers at the southwest and southeast building facades, thermal mass storage, an innovative thermal active slab heating and cooling system, and highly efficient HVAC systems utilizing energy recovery wheels to recapture potentially lost thermal energy through the extensive exhaust system.

Connection and communication between the departments is facilitated in the vertical carving out of large open floor plates. Natural light and natural ventilation are inserted into the deep floor plates by the inclusion of what the design team calls "multiple centers of light." Several vertical cutouts are designed to foster interaction between the facility’s four levels. The atrium provides a central skylight and circulation space that results in a powerful core of the building.

Sculptural open stairs are shaped to encourage meeting, interaction and discussion. Some stairs stop at generous landings with tables and chairs, others open onto lounge spaces with built in seating.  

BNIM worked in collaboration with Architect Steven Holl Architects.