JCDA’s work, harnesses the environmental characteristics specific to the site as an organizing principle for the building’s performance, identity and experience.
WILLIAM ECKHARDT RESEARCH CENTER
CHICAGO, USA
2015
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FACADE DETAIL
EAST FACADE IN MIXED CONDITIONS
THRESHOLD CIRCULATION
OFFICE
FACADE DETAIL
WEST FACADE AT NIGHT
Description
The William Eckhardt Research Center houses the University’s new Institute for Molecular Engineering as well as various departments of the Physical Sciences Division. JCDA’s design of the envelope is based on revealing light as a powerful and deep expression of the site and its connection nature. Each facade is uniquely responsive to the site and its public realm, harnessing light as an organizing principle for the building’s occupation, performance and human experience.
JCDA’s efforts were focused on bringing daylight in through the perimeter offices through the circulation corridors and public spaces and into the post doc offices and labs, as well as on the public spaces where the various departments might mix, leading to collaborative and innovative ideas and research. The design integrates light within the building’s thresholds and horizontal and vertical public circulation spaces, where it resonates with and informs students’ and researchers’ creativity, discovery, collaboration and exchange of ideas.
Client: University of Chicago
Architect: HOK