Location
3390 N. Avondale Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618
Client
Northeastern Illinois University, JGMA
Sector
Civic and Institutional
Team
Primera, Prism Engineering, Forefront Engineers
The new Northeastern Illinois University El Centro campus is a prominent and sculptural building visible from the Kennedy Expressway, boasting rhythmic sun-shading and bold color. Mounded, faceted planting beds throughout the site are filled with hardy plants that mimic the striking blue and yellow façade of the building, while providing year round interest. A 65,000 square foot permeable parking lot accommodates commuter traffic, and an entrance plaza greets pedestrians from the nearby Belmont Blue Line train station. Dense landscape buffers surround the site, creating a calming landscape backdrop and serving as a screen to the adjacent manufacturing buildings and busy Kennedy Expressway.
Awards:
2015 AIA Chicago Design Excellence Award
