University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones and local academic and civic leaders recently broke ground on a new Campus Instructional Facility that is meant to celebrate the cooperation between architecture and engineering.
The structure celebrates how architecture and engineering work together and is meant to enhance such collaboration. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), the building will have flexible, open spaces for learning. It also will include collaboration spaces that will be flexible enough to meet the evolving needs of the university community.
See Also: Curtin University library redevelopment will modernize iconic campus structure
“The design of the Campus Instructional Facility blends the rich history of the University of Illinois with its progressive, technology-focused approach to learning. In designing the building, we sought to celebrate the intersection of architecture and engineering, while creating an environment where experimentation and invention could thrive,” says Brian Lee, Design Partner.
Situated adjacent to the main engineering quadrangle at Springfield Avenue and West Wright Street, the building will be used for contemporary teaching and learning, with a variety of types of spaces designed to enhance collaboration between students and faculty. Additionally, this focus is meant to encourage and develop new hands-on learning technologies.
“The Campus Instructional Facility Project will ensure that we continue to create learning environments that inspire collaboration and interactive education for our students. We believe this facility will be a catalyst for innovation and creativity,” says Chancellor Robert Jones.
The 122,000-square-foot, four-story building will have spaces for lecture, classroom, collaboration, social environments, and for other uses. A central spine in the building brings together its public spaces and enables views across all floors as well as views of the engineering quadrangle. A 60-foot long-span space with flexible partitions will allow large class configurations; classrooms will be distributed along the building’s core. A 500-seat auditorium will be in the basement. The building’s 23 active learning and traditional classrooms will range in size, from small spaces for as few as 24 students, to the large auditorium
The building is scheduled to be completed in 2021. It’s state-of-the-art approach to learning reflects the dynamic nature of technological and organizational change in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Tech tools are bringing various disciplines together, creating smarter projects.
“SOM was built on the importance of collaboration between architects and engineers, and that spirit continues to be championed today. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to create a home for interdisciplinary learning and have an impact on the education of future students,” says William F. Baker, Structural Engineering Partner, and University of Illinois Engineering alumnus.
Related Stories
| Apr 16, 2012
University of Michigan study seeks to create efficient building design
The result, the researchers say, could be technologies capable of cutting the carbon footprint created by the huge power demands buildings place on the nation’s electrical grid.
| Apr 16, 2012
UNT lab designed to study green energy technologies completed
Lab to test energy technologies and systems in order to achieve a net-zero consumption of energy.
| Apr 13, 2012
Goettsch Partners designs new music building for Northwestern
The showcase facility is the recital hall, an intimate, two-level space with undulating walls of wood that provide optimal acoustics and lead to the stage, as well as a 50-foot-high wall of cable-supported, double-skin glass
| Apr 11, 2012
C.W. Driver completes Rec Center on CSUN campus
The state-of-the-art fitness center supports university’s goal to encourage student recruitment and retention.
| Mar 28, 2012
Holden Cancer Center opens at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
The new cancer clinic provides a significant increase in patient space from the prior facility, which was located in an adjacent building.
| Mar 28, 2012
Tsoi/Kobis & Associates developing master plan for UT Southwestern Medical Center
Firm will spearhead strategies for transforming existing in-patient hospital into state-of-the-art ambulatory care facility.
| Mar 27, 2012
Groundbreaking held for Valencia College West Campus Building 10 in Orlando
Project led by design-build team of SchenkelShultz Architecture and McCree General Contractors, both of Orlando.
| Mar 26, 2012
McCarthy tops off Math and Science Building at San Diego Mesa College
Designed by Architects | Delawie Wilkes Rodrigues Barker, the new San Diego Mesa College Math and Science Building will provide new educational space for students pursuing degree and certificate programs in biology, chemistry, physical sciences and mathematics.
| Mar 21, 2012
Iowa’s Mercy Medical Center’s new Emergency Department constructed using Lean design
New Emergency Department features a "racetrack" design with a central nurses' station encircled by 19 private patient examination rooms and 2 trauma treatment rooms.
| Mar 20, 2012
Stanford’s Knight Management Center Awarded LEED Platinum
The 360,000-sf facility underscores what is taught in many of the school’s electives such as Environmental Entrepreneurship and Environmental Science for Managers and Policy Makers, as well as in core classes covering sustainability across the functions of business.
