Alexander Pfeiffer
IDI Chicago. RWTH Aachen (Germany)
the IDI was founded 1937 in Chicago as „neues bauhaus“ and is part of the illinois institute of technology. the new building site in downtown Chicago represents the IDI´s strong personalitiy as a leading global network for interdisciplinary oriented design.
design
the IDI Chicago especially teaches the development and use of methods that lead to more humane and effective technologies. complex research studies of user-habits, of material and product cycles, of sustainability and recycling possibilities are the basis for good design.
draft
the IDI presents itself in the urban space as an independent and self-confident cube – through its translucent skin it communicates with the urban space.
the building is subdivided vertically into three zones: one zone contains public spaces such as auditorium, exhibition or café, the second zone are the inner traffic and communication areas, the third zone contains the private institute spaces.
access to the public zone of the building can be found at every important point in the surrounding urban space, it mediates between the different existing heights and then falls down terrace-like to the river bank. a symbiotic relationship between the building and the visitor developes: the serpentine-like public zone is exhibition and interaction space between public and designer at the same time.
in the upper part of the builing are the institute spaces: voids and stairs are connecting them vertically with the public and therefore are open and transparent. the different floor levels are organized by determined and flexible spaces that can be adapted to the user´s needs.
the translucent skin - silk-screen printed glas-blades – is sunprotection and summarizes the building to one unit, allowing subtile impression of the inside to the urban space and reverse.
the structure allows variable organizations of the floor levels and therefore a long-term flexibility and adaptability.
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