Case Studies in New Classical & Traditional Design: Cincinnati Music Hall, with Andreas Lange and Thea Tjepkema

The Case Studies seminar series explores the design and execution of new work from the practitioner’s perspective. Contemporary classical and traditional design encompasses architectural work for all building types, at all scales and budgets, and in the allied fields of urban planning, landscape, interiors and the artisan and building trades. The series aims to explore solutions to contemporary design challenges, foster critical discussion of recent work, and demystify the complexities of how unique projects come together.

Completed in 1879 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975, Cincinnati’s Music Hall is among the city’s most iconic structures and a premier example of High Victorian Gothic architecture in the U.S. A gathering space for civic and cultural events, from large choral festivals, conventions, car and home shows, to dancing in America’s largest ballroom and boxing in a 6,000-seat sports arena, Music Hall has adapted often over its 143-year history. The building currently is the home of five resident arts organizations: the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, May Festival Chorus, Cincinnati Opera, and the Cincinnati Ballet.

After many years of neglect, Music Hall underwent extensive renovations from May 2016 to October 2017 to revitalize the building and give it new life for the 21st century. The renovations were led by Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel as Architects of Record and Messer Construction as Construction Manager.

This course focuses on contemporary construction and design methods used in the renovation. Presenters Andreas Lange and Thea Tjepkema share their personal experience with the renovations, from the fast-paced construction period to the intricate considerations of restoring the interior and exterior details. Andreas Lange, AIA was the on-site architect for the 18 months of construction, leading the design team efforts to restore the Hall. Thea Tjepkema led and continues to lead the efforts of the Friends of Music Hall to restore original ornamentation to the building. She will share her extensive research on the building’s history, original design intent and construction methods, and deployment of contemporary means and methods to restore the building to its original beauty.

The ICAA would like to thank our Lead Sponsor for Continuing Education courses, Uberto Construction.

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