2009 Design Award Winner

Searle Graduate Student Center
Northwestern University’s School of Communication needed space for their graduate students to gather and study on campus. Housed in the Frances Searle Building, officials had a location but thought it too undesirable for the students – the facility’s dark and drab unfinished basement.

To begin, architects completed a feasibility study to determine the School’s needs and space constraints. This study exhausted all options for the 8,000 sf basement and presented a clear design direction upon completion. Floor plans were drafted to illustrate the circulation pattern for the lounge, study and workstation areas, private office and kitchenette. School officials were ecstatic to see the possibilities for their space, and design quickly progressed into an aggressive construction schedule.

The design takes advantage of the high ceilings and exposed beams and duct work to create an industrial, contemporary environment. Movable furniture is interspersed throughout the space to provide intimate areas for impromptu group gatherings. Small conference rooms offer more privacy for groups requiring media space. A larger conference room also allows student organizations to work in the space without disrupting other users. Opaque glass doors and windows separate these group rooms from the open lounge area. Independent desk stations away from the lounge area provide a brightly lit, quiet environment for private studying. Two-hundred mailboxes and lockers offer students a place to store belongings while using the basement facilities.A kitchenette was also designed to provide refreshment for diligent graduates. Equipped with refrigerators, microwaves, workroom and copier, this space accommodates every student’s break-time needs.

2011 AIA NEI
Annual Sponsors

Platinum
M.G. Welbel & Associates

Gold
Berg Eng. Consultants, Ltd.
Davey Resource Group

Silver
20/10 Engineering Group
Brampton Brick Inc.
ECS Midwest, LLC
Eriksson Engineering
Euclid Insurance
International Contractors, Inc.
Ragnar Benson Construction
Shales McNutt Construction
Turner Construction
W-T Engineering

Contributor
Aerotek
Construction Cost Systems, Inc.
DLA Architects
Edge Associates Inc.
General Shale Brick, Inc.
Johnson Wilbur Adams, Inc.
McCluskey Engineering Corp.
Mortenson Construction
Northfield
Pella Windows and Doors
Ramm Brick
Threshold
Wight & Company

We extend a special “Thank you!” to our new and returning 2011 sponsors. Sponsors enable AIA Northeast Illinois to provide many of the programs and events that are held during the year. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please call the chapter office at 630/527-8550.