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

  • Image credit: O

    Strategic Campus Assessment: Moving Beyond Reactive Maintenance in Educational Facilities

    While campuses may appear stable on the surface, building systems naturally evolve over time, and proactive assessment can identify developing issues before they become expensive emergencies. The question isn't whether aging educational facilities need attention. It's how institutions can transition from costly reactive maintenance to strategic asset management in a way that protects both budgets and communities.

  • Pittsburgh High School Upgrades Athletics Facilities’ Technology

    Plum Senior High School in Pittsburgh, Penn., recently partnered with South-Dakota-based Daktronics through the We’re All Mustangs Here Foundation to upgrade the technology in its athletics facilities, according to a news release. Daktronics designed, built, and installed new LED video displays and finished the project in time for the beginning of the 2025 high-school football season.

  • Creating Long-Term Sustainability on College Campuses Through Fair Student Housing

    The quality of student housing can have a significant impact on an individual’s college experience. Today’s higher education institutions face mounting challenges, including declining enrollment, low retention rates between the first and second years, and a rise in student mental health concerns. Thoughtfully designed living spaces can help address these issues by creating environments that promote both academic focus and personal well-being.

  • KI Launches K–12 Classroom Furniture Giveaway

    Contract furniture company KI recently announced the launch of its fourth-annual Classroom Furniture Giveaway, which awards $50,000 each to four K–12 educators across the U.S., according to a news release. The goal is to address decreasing student engagement and increasing teacher burnout numbers by updating learning spaces to accommodate modern needs.

Digital Edition