Daley College Manufacturing, Technology & Engineering Center

Chicago, USA
Photo © Tom Rossiter
Photo © Tom Rossiter
Photo © Tom Rossiter
Photo © Tom Rossiter
Photo © Tom Rossiter
Photo © Tom Rossiter
Photo © Tom Rossiter
Photo © Tom Rossiter
Photo © Tom Rossiter
Photo © Tom Rossiter
Photo © Tom Rossiter
Aerial View
Visualization © JGMA
Site Plan
Drawing © JGMA
First Floor Plan
Drawing © JGMA
Second Floor Plan
Drawing © JGMA
East + West Elevation
Drawing © JGMA
North + South Elevation
Drawing © JGMA
Sections
Drawing © JGMA
Before
Drawing © JGMA
Program
Drawing © JGMA
Campus Connection
Drawing © JGMA
Presence + Visibility
Drawing © JGMA
Exterior Connectivity
Drawing © JGMA
Color Connectivity
Drawing © JGMA
Architects
JGMA
Location
7500 S Pulaski Rd, 60652 Chicago, USA
Year
2019
Client
City Colleges of Chicago
Team
Juan Moreno, Jason Nuttelman, Michael Cady, Dori del Rio
Design Architect
JGMA
Architect of Record
Cannon Design
Engineers of Record (Structural, Civil, MEPFP)
Cannon Design
Landscape Architect
Terry Guen Design Associates
Acoustic/ AV/ IT/Security Consultant
Shen Milsom & Wilke
Lighting Consultant
Aurora Lighting
Wayfinding / Environmental Graphics
A Perfect Sign

The new Manufacturing, Technology and Engineering Center (MTEC) at Daley College is an addition to the Richard J. Daley campus. The MTEC sets the framework for a wider master plan. The project unifies the existing complex by creating a campus environment with engaging pathways and collaborative spaces throughout.

Rising from the transformed parking lot, the MTEC project speaks to issues larger than architecture; it seeks to revitalize a Chicago southwest neighborhood by creating a connective message that all are significant and welcome. Daley College tasked JGMA with removing the negative stereotypes that exist in the workforce when pertaining to manufacturing careers. Often suggesting these careers as devoid of dignity and reserved typically for minority populations. The project reverses the misconception through a design focused on celebrating state-of-the-art manufacturing spaces and proves careers in this industry require tech and skills as advanced as any other.

The design strategy utilizes building transparency to showcase machines, equipment, and products integral to the learning objectives of the colleges as well as provide a visual connection to the surrounding West Lawn community. The seamless fluidity to the building’s form was inspired by the constant and linear flow of the manufacturing process. The building spans the main thoroughfare with a strong industrial bridge that links the south and north campus of Daley College.

The new building celebrates the manufacturing industry through the expression of materials such as metal panels, glass, and exposed steel. In addition, the underside of the elevated bridge is intentionally painted caution yellow, bringing the manufacturing expression to the exterior.

The transparency of the building provides a similar experience for even the casual passerby, by providing a look into the advanced technical nature of manufacturing today.

The project challenges the latent stereotypes of a community college and alters the psychology of simply crossing the street to go to class. Through dynamic spatial organizations and site responsive architecture, the MTEC provides students and staff a unique experience from the moment they walk into the building. The circulation spaces inside the building intentionally collide with seating areas, platforms, and alcoves to encourage students to congregate and participate in incidental learning between peers. There is a combination of exterior and interior terraces for users to enjoy in the warm weather months. These green areas facilitate the students’ and faculty’s interaction providing connections with nature and lead to increased cognitive function and wellness, as well as creating a more unified campus.

As the MTEC is now the front door to the campus, thorough analysis was conducted to the user experience with regards to security, wayfinding, and new learning opportunities. It was imperative that the new addition set-up a framework for further transformation of the existing building while still celebrating its current legacy. The unique exterior façade of the MTEC building is phase one in a masterplan to completely rebrand and re-clad the existing facilities to create one new energized campus.

The new building will not only be a catalyst for growth and change within City Colleges of Chicago, but also inspire the pursuit of manufacturing careers as a sophisticated and high-tech learning path.

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