The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Letter to editor: Hancher a ‘costly disappointment’

Individuals+roam+the+stage+and+balcony+at+the+Hancher+Auditorium+ribbon+cutting+ceremony+and+open+tour+in+Iowa+City%2C+Iowa+on+Friday+September+9th%2C+2016.+The+new+Hancher+Auditorium+is+finally+open+after+years+of+construction+and+will+have+its+first+show+on+September+24th.++%28The+Daily+Iowan%2FAnthony+Vazquez%29
Individuals roam the stage and balcony at the Hancher Auditorium ribbon cutting ceremony and open tour in Iowa City, Iowa on Friday September 9th, 2016. The new Hancher Auditorium is finally open after years of construction and will have its first show on September 24th. (The Daily Iowan/Anthony Vazquez)

The quality of artists contracted to perform at Hancher is awesome. The acoustics, even in the upper most balcony in the last row, are exceptionally audible. The seating is comfortable and roomy.

However, the exterior south entrance looks like a “Jaws Attack,” especially at night. The exterior north entrance looks like the “Last half of the Titanic.” How could PCP design be so crass?

The silver-colored veneer masking the elevated sections with its mini-lights and the interior swirling ceiling lights look like a visit to a “Midnight Cabaret on Easy Street.” How could OPN interior architects design this crass ambiance?

The veneer could have been warm maple wood with soft lighting. The ceiling lighting could have been retracting globes, mock skylights, or non-glare chandeliers.

The exterior should have been rounded, not sharp points or boxes.

What a costly disappointment.

Sincerely,

Annamarie Marcalus 

OSF Iowa City

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