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



the façade is partly informed by the university’s gothic tradition

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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