Loyola University Chicago: Institute of Environmental Sustainability (IES)

Institute of Environmental Sustainability (IES)

PHOTOS: DAVE BURK © HEDRICH BLESSING 2013

The Institute of Environmental Sustainability (IES) is the next step in the evolution of student housing with academic integration and aggressive sustainability goals creating a unique and transformative educational experience. In addition to the academic portion of the program, the 215,000-square-foot complex is comprised of San Francisco Hall — a 357-bed student residence — and a winter garden that links the buildings, providing dining, amenities and a greenhouse. Designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) of Chicago, The IES is a multidisciplinary, research-based facility that includes classrooms, research and teaching labs, a clean energy lab, an aquaponics farming display and the greenhouse. The residential portion of the program is a freshman and sophomore residence, which includes a café and recreation areas integrated into the activities and environmental systems of the IES.

The inclusive programming and planning approach fosters interdisciplinary interactions between academic sectors, student social groups and the local community. IES recalls the Jeffersonian academic model of integrated living and learning by combining student residential living spaces with experiential learning facilities. Traditional classrooms and student housing are linked with an innovative, passive greenhouse learning space that engages students to live sustainably, showcases urban farming and harvests building thermal energy from Chicago’s largest integrated hybrid geothermal building system. The design combines these different program elements and results in a Net Zero-Ready community. Sustainable building strategies include natural ventilation, geothermal heating and cooling, rain water collection, grey water systems, green roofs and living walls.

SCB team members included Managing Principal Mark Frisch, Design Principal Devon Patterson, Project Manager Brett Boaz, Senior Project Architect David Swain, and Project Architect Monica Willemsen Dilkes. General contracting services were provided by Power Construction Team; Elara Engineering Services, Inc. served as MEP/FP engineers; structural engineering provided by Halvorson and Partners; landscape by the Clauss Brothers; and environmental consulting provided by Transsolar, Inc., as the climate engineers.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Tennant Company Launches Autonomous Floor Scrubber

    Cleaning equipment and solutions provider Tennant Company recently launched the new X6 ROVR, a mid-sized robotic scrubber designed for large commercial and light-industrial environments, according to a news release. The autonomous machine can clean up to 75,000 square feet peer cycle with minimal needs for manual assistance.

  • ProTeam Launches GoFit 6 HEPA Backpack Vacuum

    Technology leader Emerson recently introduced the new ProTeam GoFit 6 HEPA backpack vacuum, according to a news release. The vacuum was designed to capture 99.97% of particulates down to 0.3 microns—including atmospheric hazards like lead dust, mold spores, and other particulates—through an advanced filtration system.

  • Kimball International Launches Season 5 of Alternative Design Podcast

    Commercial furnishings manufacturer Kimball International recently premiered the fifth season of its Alternative Design podcast, according to a news release. The first episode was released on March 17, and new episodes will launch monthly. The podcast discusses forces that shape built environments, from work to housing to healthcare to human wellness.

  • Active Learning Classroom

    Striking a Balance: The Keys to Renovating Science Education Buildings for the 21st Century

    The recent renovation of the Durham Science Center at the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO) provides a roadmap for facilities managers tasked with balancing budget constraints, modern pedagogical demands, and long-term sustainability.

Digital Edition