University of Iowa Campus Tour: Iconic Architecture & Expert Insights

About this event

Join us for an engaging day exploring the architectural highlights of the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City! This walking tour will showcase a remarkable blend of modern and historic architecture, guided by experts who bring deep personal and professional knowledge of the campus and its development over time.

Our day will begin at Hancher Auditorium, where we’ll gather for check-in before setting out on foot to explore several of the University’s most iconic and architecturally significant buildings. Midday, we’ll pause for a box lunch and lecture, featuring a historical presentation by Iowa architect and historian Steve Stimmel, AIA.

The walking tour will be led by Mark Seabold, AIA, LEED AP, Principal Architect with Shive-Hattery in Iowa City, who brings three decades of insight into the evolution of the campus and its public art and architectural treasures.

Featured sites will include:

• Hancher Auditorium – Pelli Clark Pelli Architects
• Art Building West – Steven Holl Architects
• Visual Arts Building – Steven Holl Architects
• Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratories – Frank O. Gehry
• Pappajohn Business Building – Architectural Resources
• Old Capitol Complex / Pentacrest – John F. Rague, Proudfoot & Bird
• Park@201 – Neumann Monson Architects
• Voxman Music Building – LMN Architects
• Stanley Museum of Art – bnim

Schedule (subject to slight adjustment):

• 9:45 AM – Registration and check-in
• 10:00 AM – Walking tour begins
• 11:30 AM – Break for box lunch and lecture with Steve Stimmel, AIA [location TBD]
• 12:30 PM – Resume walking tour
• 2:30 PM – Tour concludes

Tickets are $50. Price includes the guided walking tour, lecture, and box lunch. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
• A refillable water bottle
• Curiosity and questions!

About Your Guides

Mark Seabold, AIA, LEED APA longtime Iowa City architect and arts advocate, Mark has led numerous local planning and design projects and has served in leadership roles with The University of Iowa Museum of Art, the Housing Fellowship, and the Iowa City Public Art program. His deep knowledge of the campus’ evolution before and after the 2008 flood informs this architect’s-eye view of the spaces that define the university today.

Steve Stimmel, AIA Born and raised in Iowa City, Steve has a unique historical perspective on the development of the University of Iowa campus. His career includes work at the University Architect’s Office and BBS Architects (successor to Proudfoot & Bird), as well as ongoing consulting in historic preservation and frequent lectures on Iowa architectural history.

Proceeds from this event support the Iowa Architectural Foundation’s mission to raise awareness of the value of architecture to Iowa communities. Learn more about our public programs at www.iowaarchfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook at @iowaarchfoundation.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Iowa Architectural Foundation (IAF)