East-West University

East-West University’s Student Life Center is located in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood. Because of the land constraints of the urban site, the design team synthesized the traditional university experience into a tower with a vertical quadrangle at its center. The 17-story tower is organized into two major parts – the “base” and the student housing above. The base blends educational and student life spaces arranged around a 100-foot tall atrium – the vertical quad. The first floor includes the commons containing a student café, bookstore, and food services. Within the upper floors are classrooms, faculty offices, a gymnasium and wellness center, and the library. Above the base are apartment-style dorm suites, all with clear views to the lake and city.