Unusual Architecture + USA

Chicago, Illinois, Stati Uniti: [RESIDENCE HALL FOR UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO BY STUDIO GANG ARCHITECTS]
Residence Hall for University of Chicago by Studio

The University of Chicago wanted a new residence hall that would deliver the kind of social spaces students were asking for. They also wanted to build on their successful “house system,” which enhances the experience of campus life for undergraduates.

Residence Hall for University of Chicago by Studio

With these parameters in mind, Studio Gang organized each house around three-story “hubs” that are designed to feel comfortable and homey as well as to encourage collaboration.

Residence Hall for University of Chicago by Studio

Each hub offers distinct spaces for study, movie watching, food preparation, and play while also enabling all house members to gather as a complete group. Shared destination spaces such as the top-floor Reading Room offer panoramic views of the city, campus, and Lake Michigan.

Residence Hall for University of Chicago by Studio

This dynamic mix of new residences, dining, retail, amenities, and outdoor spaces extends the University’s footprint to the north. The location allows the design to create a new “front door” for the University with an open and welcoming ambiance, strengthening pedestrian connections between campus and the greater Hyde Park neighborhood.

Residence Hall for University of Chicago by Studio

With its careful assemblage of four slender bar buildings, the project integrates students and community within an urban fabric of plazas, gardens, walkways, and courtyards that offer distinct, human-scaled outdoor environments.

Residence Hall for University of Chicago by Studio

And while the buildings are oriented to optimize energy performance by maximizing daylight and natural ventilation, they simultaneously create the kind of sunlit urban landscape and lively social vibe that students want.

Residence Hall for University of Chicago by Studio
Residence Hall for University of Chicago by Studio
Residence Hall for University of Chicago by Studio
Residence Hall for University of Chicago by Studio
Residence Hall for University of Chicago by Studio
Residence Hall for University of Chicago by Studio

Location: Chicago, USA Architect: Studio Gang Architects Associate Architect: Hanbury Evans Wright Vlatta Structural Engineering: Magnusson Klemencic Associates MEP and Fire Protection Engineering: dbHMS Sustainability: Transsolar Civil Engineering: David Mason and Associates Landscape Design: Hood Design Studio Acoustical Design: Threshold Acoustics Lighting Design: Lightswitch Architectural Construction Manager: Mortenson Construction Year: 2013 Owner: University of Chicago