Add as a preferred source on Google

University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign: Center for Wounded Veterans in Higher Education

  • 10/01/15
Center for Wounded Veterans in Higher Education

PHOTOS © SCOTT MCDONALD, GREY CITY STUDIOS

The Chez Family Foundation Center for Wounded Veterans in Higher Education opened in September at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (UIUC). UIUC is a true leader in providing accessible environments by integrating students with disabilities into campus life. UIUC has worked to promote independence for individuals with disabilities since the late 1940s, welcoming disabled World War II GIs.

Taking the next step in the evolution of programs for veterans, the university commissioned a state-of-the-art Center for Wounded Veterans in Higher Education. UIUC selected LCM Architects of Chicago as the architect for this effort, recognizing the firm’s experience with designing spaces for individuals with disabilities.

The Center incorporates the principles of universal design, with the intent that everyone uses the facility with dignity. The design provides for everyone to use the building in the same way; the spaces are easily understandable, and easily useable. Details were carefully studied for all elements including the entry sequence; horizontal and vertical circulation; program spaces, including offices and classrooms; residential suites; teaching kitchen; and furniture.

The Center provides transitional living facilities to prepare severely wounded veterans to live independently while successfully pursuing their educational and career aspirations. The design intent was to create a comfortable and supportive environment. The Center provides 12 residential suites, as well as a common kitchen and dining area. The lounge and relaxation space provides a community area for both residents of the building and other student veterans.

In addition, the Center provides health and life skills management training, peer mentorship, academic tutoring, psychological and career counseling, rehabilitative services and employment services. Support spaces include a physical fitness center, laundry facilities, medical examination room, offices, training and classroom spaces and offices for supporting services.

The Center has been designed to meet LEED Gold certification.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • FAU Starts Construction on Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building

    Florida Atlantic University recently began construction on a new academic building for its campus in Boca Raton, Fla., according to university news. The Kurt and Marilyn Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building will stand two stories, measure in at 22,000 square feet, and play home to the university’s Holocaust education and Jewish studies programs.

  • Texas District Finishes Construction on New Middle School, Admin Building

    The Westwood Independent School District recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Westwood Middle School and Administration Building in Palestine, Texas, according to a news release. The campus covers 106,000 square feet and has the capacity for 650 students in grades 6–8, and it will also play home to the district’s staff and administration.

  • textured paper collage shows a school building on fire as a fire truck sprays water into the flames

    Why a Fire Loss Is More than Flames

    We've all seen what fire damage can do to a property, but the types of damage building owners often encounter after a fire loss can exceed expectations. Having full awareness of the different forms of damage properties can sustain helps owners respond faster, reduce continued damage, and get back on the road to recovery in short order.

  • Pudu Robotics Launches AI-Powered, Large-Scale Floor Sweeper

    Pudu Robotics recently launched the newest member of its MT1 series of robotic floor sweepers, the PUDU MT1 Max, according to a news release. The AI-powered, 3D perception robotic sweeper was designed for use in large, complex cleaning environments both indoors and semi-outdoors, like parking garages and semi-open building atriums.

Digital Edition