Pfeiffer designed the new Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center, a world-class home for dance education on the West Coast and the Pacific Rim, beginning with concept design, a feasibility study and programming. One primary goal of the design was to achieve a contemporary building that reflects the University’s historic architectural precedents, rooted in Romanesque traditions and Collegiate Gothic style, with authenticity rather than appearing to mimic the past. Conceptually, the design presents a dynamic, highly contemporary dance facility clothed in tradition. Through a highly participatory, interactive and collaborative series of meetings and workshops, Pfeiffer, faculty and leadership of the new School worked together to craft a new facility that physically and aesthetically connects to the rest of campus and reflects the university’s master plan goals and aspirations for the new School.

The Center provides dance studios and support spaces for USC’s new Dance Program including a black box theater, instructional classrooms and an outdoor courtyard. There are 1 large, 2 medium and 1 small dedicated dance studios for incoming majors and 2 medium studios for non-majors. The large dance studio functions for both performance and rehearsal for the majors. Support spaces include a Fitness room for stretching, Pilates, yoga and strength-training. There is also a dedicated Collaboration Room that serves as a library and resource center.

Project Scope: Programming, New Construction