The Computer Design, Research, and Learning Center (CDRLC) at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) will establish a new front door for technology in downtown Chicago. The building, designed by LMN Architects in collaboration with Booth Hansen, will be located at a unique, prominent site on campus and will celebrate the natural setting and organic form of the Memorial Grove.
The 135,000-sf facility will consolidate the currently fragmented Computer & Science Department in a new home and co-locate it with a large cluster of university-administered classrooms at the heart of the east campus. The CDRLC is designed to be a welcoming, inclusive, and inviting space for the rapidly growing student body.
It will create a hub for both engineering and computer science that includes research areas comprised of faculty offices, collaboration areas, dry lab, and specialty lab; administrative and student affairs office spaces; collaborative teaching and learning spaces; an undergraduate learning and community center; and a flexible events room. All of these spaces will be stitched together by a five-story daylight atrium.
Together with the existing lab building, the new CDRLC will create a public atrium for social interactions with visual and physical connections to all floors. The atrium will be porous and dynamic with connections to the campus and the community, honoring the past and looking to the future. Reflecting a complex organization of requirements, the building will prompt students to cross paths with one another and enhance intellectual exchange. A new geo-thermal farm will be included in the Memorial Grove.
The CDRLC, which has been designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, will be delivered on an accelerated schedule to see the demands of the department.
Related Stories
University Buildings | Aug 6, 2021
Is air quality the next hot campus amenity?
New research shows that students want to be back on campus, but they—and their parents—are asking more of higher ed institutions.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Aug 5, 2021
Roadrunner Athletics Center of Excellence opens at the University of Texas at San Antonio
Populous designed the project in collaboration.
Architects | Aug 5, 2021
Lord Aeck Sargent's post-Katerra future, with LAS President Joe Greco
After three years under the ownership of Katerra, which closed its North American operations last May, the architecture firm Lord Aeck Sargent is re-establishing itself as an independent company, with an eye toward strengthening its eight practices and regional presence in the U.S.
University Buildings | Jul 27, 2021
Murchie Science Building Expansion completes at the University of Michigan-Flint
HED designed the project.
Contractors | Jul 23, 2021
The aggressive growth of Salas O'Brien, with CEO Darin Anderson
Engineering firm Salas O'Brien has made multiple acquisitions over the past two years to achieve its Be Local Everywhere business model. In this exclusive interview for HorizonTV, BD+C's John Caulfield sits down with the firm's Chairman and CEO, Darin Anderson, to discuss its business model.
University Buildings | Jul 21, 2021
University of Washington Tacoma breaks ground on new STEM learning lab
ARO designed the project.
University Buildings | Jul 14, 2021
New 678-bed student housing development breaks ground near the University of South Carolina
CRG has partnered with Landmark Properties on the project.
University Buildings | Jul 12, 2021
UCLA building completes renovations for enhanced seismic, energy, and curriculum requirements
CO Architects designed the project.
University Buildings | Jul 8, 2021
$120 million renovation of Smith College’s Neilson Library completes
The original building was built in 1909.
University Buildings | Jul 1, 2021
Texas A&M University’s new Engineering Medicine program receives a new, unique space
EYP designed the project.
