UMKC Conservatory Addition and Renovation
Fueling Inspiration and Inviting Curiosity within Interdisciplinary Arts Education
Kansas City is solidifying its reputation as a leader in arts education with the reimagined University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Conservatory. Following an intensive study into the Conservatory’s new, fresh identity and aspirations for the future, UMKC engaged Helix yet again to help make this bold vision a reality. Elevating the physical environment to reflect the caliber of UMKC’s nationally recognized Conservatory will give the building a new presence on campus and position it as the heart of the arts in Kansas City.
Location: Kansas City, MO
Size: 90,000 GSF
The existing Olson Performing Arts Center is located along an emerging arts corridor referred to as the “Arts Ribbon”, bejeweled with cultural gems such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kansas City Art Institute, and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary art. The new UMKC Conservatory will enhance the performing arts node of the ribbon and create yet another destination along its path.
Rock in the Stream
The existing 1976-era building has a heavy, blocky nature. Located on the northern edge of campus, it takes on a ‘rock in the stream’ character. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic are forced to navigate around the structure to get into campus. The enlightening functions of the Conservatory go virtually unseen to students on campus and the surrounding public.
Surround
The proposed addition surrounds the existing ‘rock’ with ‘pebbles’ of lightly colored architectural precast cubes, housing rehearsal and performance spaces. Its contrasting, transparent nature express the function of the building to the exterior, inviting students and the public alike to flow through the building.
Time Signature
The lightly colored architectural precast cubes have an undulating pattern, evoking the fluid expression of movement through dance and music. The pattern is comprised of modules of 4, similar to a time signature of a musical score.
In The Round
White Hall, the Conservatory’s heart, will shift from being a multi-purpose theatre into a dedicated, world-class recital hall. The unique, vineyard-style seating embraces the stage on all sides and brings the concert experience truly “in-the-round.” White Hall’s immersive experience is supported by warm, wooden acoustical detailing, like that of an orchestral instrument.
“Inside, we’ve reimagined spaces to foster interdisciplinary collaboration—where music, dance, and theatre can intersect in new and inspiring ways.”
Doug Stockman, AIA, Helix Principal and Director of Architecture
