Story

Located in a 1920’s National Landmark building, the UIC Medical School’s student study area was in dire need of renovation and improvements to encourage the students to use the building’s study areas and libraries. Converting existing student area in the 14,000-square foot basement into a functional and comfortable student center was the challenge faced by the design team. The project committee, which included administrators, students and the Mekus Tanager team, set out to make the new Sigmund E. Edelstone Medical Student Center a flagship space for the school - giving them a competitive edge in attracting students, faculty and donors. The goal of the project, identified by the committee, included incorporating dedicated areas for various activities, such as group and individual studying, relaxing, eating, and a computer lab; and for security reasons, the floor plan also had to allow the students the ability to see who was entering and moving through the space. In addition to creating a comfortable, flexible and safe environment, the design had to respond to the technological needs of the students and the materials had to be durable and easily maintainable. To create a bright and cheerful area out of the dark basement, the team used a gradation of colors through the space. The vibrant use of color immediately brought the area to life. The team also selected materials and finishes that maintained an industrial feel to complement the surroundings and were able to withstand constant use. This included tinting the plaster used in high traffic areas, in lieu of painting, to add both depth to the color and to camouflage gauges and scrapes incurred over time. The center offers the versatility, equipment and surroundings necessary to give the students a sense of place - “a home away from home.”