studio gang adds to university of chicago campus

studio gang has completed a new building for the university of chicago, which offers a mix of student residences, dining and retail outlets, and outdoor green spaces. the project’s architecture serves as a gateway to the campus and has been designed to encourage interaction and exchange among students, while opening up the school to the wider community.

the buildings offer a mix of student residences, dining options, and retail outlets
image © tom harris

in developing the scheme, studio gang has extended the campus footprint to the north. meanwhile, the location and placement of each structure strengthens pedestrian connections between the campus and its nearby communities. the design comprises four slender buildings, situated among a variety of plazas, gardens, walkways, and courtyards. pre-cast concrete panels have been used to clad each structure, forming a dynamic façade informed by the university of chicago’s gothic tradition.

the project serves as a gateway to the campus
image by steve hall © hedrich blessing

the scheme has been configured to enhance the the university’s ‘house’ system, which encourages interaction and collaboration between students of different years. consequently, the buildings are organized around ‘house hubs’ — comfortable three-story spaces. the houses share additional communal areas such as the top floor reading room, which offers panoramic views of the city, campus, and lake michigan.

pre-cast concrete panels have been used to clad each structure
image by steve hall © hedrich blessing

the scheme has been designed to encourage interaction and collaboration
image © tom harris

reception areas at ground level
image by steve hall © hedrich blessing

the buildings are situated among a variety of plazas, gardens, walkways, and courtyards
image by steve hall © hedrich blessing

interiors are organized around ‘house hubs’ — comfortable three-story spaces

project info:

location: chicago, USA
completed: 2016
client: university of chicago
type: educational, residential, office
size: 400,000 sqf / 37,161 sqm
sustainability: targeting LEED gold

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