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Figge Arts Center
Davenport, Iowa

Architect Herbert/Lewis/Kruse/
Blunck Architecture

Design Architect
David Chipperfield Architects

Construction Manager Russell/ Pepper Construction Company, LLC

Service
WJH&A developed the exterior envelope system using passive, double-plane curtain wall technology.
The design creates a dramatic visual presentation with both its galvanized steel sheeting on the exterior plane of the primary wall and the added three-foot corridor within the wall cavity.

 

 

  

Figge Arts Center

The first multi-story, passive, double-plane, exterior envelope in the United States

Designed in Europe. Built for America. The Figge Arts Center’s innovative exterior envelope combines European design principles with proven American construction capabilities to produce a bright showpiece along the banks of the muddy Mississippi in Davenport, Iowa.

The Figge Arts Center has the ability to withstand harsh Midwest climate fluctuations on the exterior, yet maintain an interior environment sensitive enough to display some of the Smithsonian Institute’s most treasured collections.

The Challenge.
The challenge was to construct a multi-level facility using a European double-plane, curtain wall design that met the architectural design objectives, that was capable of withstanding the harsh Midwest climates and that stayed within budget.

The Design.
The architect wanted to create an iconic glass structure with a 60' x 60' uninterrupted view of the Mississippi. Based on the architect’s concept, WJH&A designed a double-plane exterior envelope system incorporating passive ventilation.

The design combined several unique features including a three-foot wide access corridor and fritted glasswork. The overall exterior wall design created a wall envelope that was aesthetically attractive, energy efficient and easy to maintain.