Scaled for children, the University of Chicago Development Center – Drexel is a contemporary and playful building for kids that is an inviting and transparent building that nestles into its site.
Located on a developing edge of the medical campus the center serves families of the University and neighboring community with administrative spaces, a multipurpose room, and nine classrooms for infants, toddlers, young preschoolers, and preschoolers. Nearly four million students nationwide are raising children, presenting new challenges and opportunities that has encouraged Universities to make more family-friendly spaces and resources.
Weaving indoor and outdoor learning environments, each classroom has direct access to an outdoor playground and abundant daylight (with large windows and solatubes). Graphic film covers large expanses of glass to prevent bird collisions while allowing natural light to seep in with dappled patterns. The LEED Gold building deployed many cost-effective strategies to increase performance: high-insulation envelope, maximized daylighting and views, lighting controls with occupancy sensors, white reflective and vegetative roof, low flow plumbing fixtures, healthy materials, and energy efficient HVAC systems.
On a campus known for combining historic buildings and innovative architecture, the Child Development Center-Drexel is an inspiring, active, and stimulating space for developing mind.
Team:
Architects: Ross Barney Architects
Client: University of Chicago, managed by Bright Horizons
Collaborative Partners: Primera Engineers, Goodfriend Magruder, Pepper Construction
Photographer: Kate Joyce Studios
