The IIT Housing 2003 Project at 33rd and State commenced an initiative to redefine IIT as a residential University as well as continue the overall celebration of renewal announced by the new Campus Center. The aim of providing adequate housing of high amenity should inform all projects leading to the goal of 2,800 new beds. This unique project met that goal and surpasses, with an added imperative of setting quality standards, of enthusing the students, the university, the alumni, and the city, with the promise of IIT’s future.The site, across the college’s Main Quadrangle and Mies’ CrownHall, has to respond both to the Quadrangle as a space defining wall, as well be pervious, allowing east-west movement through the campus, which is divided through the north-south barriers of State Street and the elevated train.Between three U-shaped buildings forming entry-courts are two ‘sallyports’. Facing the railway line glass screens protect against the noise of the trains. The curved west-façade of profiled stainless steel panels merges at the set-back-floor into the roof and reinforces the idea of an extrusion.At the courts and sally-ports the wall projects and the panels are perforated and form screened gates. A deliberate transitional sequence from the hard urbanity of this particular site to the dormitory spaces mitigates the otherwise difficult conditions. The relatively hard edge of the screen walls along State Street makes the courtyard spaces semi-public. The obvious intent required to access these spaces creates a sense of identity for those who have reason to make that decision. At each elevator group, a communal lounge is located at the bridge, with a distinct choice again made to access either the north or south wing of the count space. Room suites are arranged with private rooms, private and semi-private baths, and common living/dinning space. Each wing has a common room at the top floor as well as a roof terrace for resident use. The spacial transition, public, semi-public, semi-private, private is distinctly linked to a sense of identity and address, i.e. Beech Grove House, north wing, third floor, suite 3, room A.The low budget did not allow planning for long-term energy/comfort measures in the MEP-system. However, the comfort of the user has been improved by simple means, like coated, low-E glass, maximizing daylight, natural ventilation and a specially designed furniture system allowing the students maximum flexibility in placement and use. [text by the architects, source: architizer.com]
Pygmalion Karatzas 243