moshe safdie: kauffman center for the performing arts nearing completion

‘the kauffman center for the performing arts’ by moshe safdie, kansas city, missouri image © david riffel

the kauffman center for the performing arts by moshe safdie and associates is nearing completion. set to open on september 16, 2011 in kansas city, missouri, the structure represents a new approach to cultural life, marking for the first time a project of this scale and program in the city. acting as a catalyst for social, educational and economic vitality, the 285,000 square-foot center aims to advance the role of arts within the community while encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and cross fertilization of audiences.

lobby image © david riffel

as designboom previously reported, the facility will include two stand-alone halls – the 1,800-seat muriel kauffman theater and the 1,600-seat helzberg hall – housed within arched glass and steel volumes enclosed by a glass facade that will provide sweeping views of the city. once operational, the center will be one of the most technically and architecturally advanced facilities of its kind in the nation.

aerial view image courtesy of moshe safdie

site image © david riffel