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Design Profile | |
2010
2009
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Chicago, January 21, 2008 – Requirements for a unique, creative learning environment drove the interior design process for the new British School of Chicago, says Sue Jacobson, senior technical architect, Epstein. Epstein provided full interior design and MEP engineering services for the new 75,000 square foot building, using energy-efficient lighting, flexible classroom arrangements and special acoustical design in performance spaces.
“The British School asked us to think outside of the box for their new building in Chicago,” said Jacobson, who also served as architect of record for the building. “They didn’t want a typical plain-vanilla school structure, but rather something that reflects the special teaching and learning environment nurtured by the School.”
Students are encouraged to work independently and in small groups, so the new space needed to provide appropriate space for these activities. Small lounge-type areas and scattered seating arrangements offer places for students to read or gather for workshops. Classroom space was designed to be converted quickly and easily to a variety of room sizes and configurations.
“Because the School requires every student to study a musical instrument, we paid special attention to dual-function spaces, such as the gymnasium and dining room that serve as performance areas. That required high-impact lighting in the gymnasium, for example, that would withstand the wear-and-tear of competitive athletic events as well as lighting for performing arts,” said Jacobson.
High technology played a role in the building’s design, as all of the classrooms use “smart boards” -- large screens controlled by computers – instead of traditional blackboards. In addition, a mobile laptop computer lab was installed to give students maximum flexibility.
Colors throughout the interior are bold and striking. “We used primary colors in areas for the younger students, with a more sophisticated palette for the 11-and-older pupils,” said Jacobson.
Epstein provided full interior design services for the project, including programming, schematic design, design development, construction documentation and construction administration. Epstein also served as the MEP engineer for the school building-out.
The British School of Chicago opened the school for classes in January 2008. The School is located at Halsted and Eastman Streets within a new development in the Lincoln Park area north of downtown Chicago. The student body is composed of 600 pupils aged 3 to 18.
About Epstein Epstein was formed in 1921 and provides architecture, interior design, engineering, and construction services worldwide. Headquartered in Chicago, the firm maintains offices in Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Warsaw, Poland; and Bucharest, Romania. Epstein consistently ranks among the leaders by well-known industry media including Engineering News Record, Building Design + Construction and Midwest Construction. The firm is well-known for its commercial, industrial, high-rise office, residential, municipal, and transportation projects. Epstein is also a leader in sustainable design, developing "green” solutions and technologies across all building types. More information is available at www.epsteinglobal.com.
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