Early learner research and community/teacher/specialist input inspire design of Jefferson Early Childhood Center in Wheaton, Illinois When three- to five-year-old students look out the child-height classroom windows in Jefferson Early Childhood Center, they never know what they’re going to see in the courtyard at the heart of the school—it could be classmates planting sunflowers in […]
College of DuPage Institutional Resource Center named finalist in Chicago-area design/construction competition
Chicago Building Congress names College of DuPage’s Institutional Resource Center finalist in 2021 Merit Awards for outstanding design and construction Several of Wendy E. Parks’ colleagues were somewhat skeptical when College of DuPage (COD) planned to convert an early childhood center into office suites. They questioned whether a facility designed for three- to five-year-olds could […]
Muscatine High School science expansion creates regional STEM destination
Science expansion at Muscatine High School paves STEM curriculum pathways based on students’ goals, whether they plan to enroll in a two- or four-year institution, join a trade school, or enter the workforce directly To walk through the science addition at Muscatine High School (Muscatine, Iowa) is to experience a community of learning. The light-filled […]
Architecture and daylight: planning strategies for energy-efficient buildings
Energy efficient, healthy, and affordable: the predictable nature of seasonal daylight geometry makes it one of the first topics to be considered when undergoing any design project. In the decades since the 1970s, we’ve learned a great deal about how to take advantage of the sun to not only reduce building energy consumption, but also […]
Scott Steingraeber celebrates 30 years at Legat Architects
No challenge insurmountable: Legat Architects’ Scott Steingraeber achieves three decades of serving building owners and setting an example for coworkers After earning a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois in 1989, Scott Steingraeber joined a small Rockford, Illinois architectural firm. A friend told Steingraeber that he knew a guy named Tom Kikta […]
Michael Lundeen, Jeff Sandberg, Rob Wroble join Legat Architects’ Board of Directors
Shareholders of Legat Architects elect Michael Lundeen, Jeff Sandberg, and Rob Wroble to board of directors Legat Architects’ shareholders, making up 40% of the privately-owned company’s employees, have elected three new members to its expanded board of directors: The election stems from a new voting process initiated by an ad hoc committee of the firm’s […]
FMC Natatorium an Olympian achievement for Illinois swimming
Former Illinois state champ and U.S. Olympic swimmer calls FMC Natatorium “fastest and most beautiful aquatic center in Illinois” All three of Mary Ann and Mark Kaufman’s daughters grew up swimming competitively. Their meets took them throughout Illinois and beyond. They formed relationships with other swim families and with coaches . . . especially Pierre […]
Chicago architecture: Justin Banda appointed associate director of AIA Chicago Board of Directors
A friend to budding architects and a supporter of the Chicago design community, Legat Architects’ Justin Banda accepts a leadership role on the American Institute of Architects’ Chicago Board of Directors After they enter the workforce, architecture program graduates often feel lost when it comes to connecting to the larger Chicago design community. Fortunately, the […]
Iowa City architecture: Legat Architects opens Iowa City studio
Legat Architects’ new studio in Iowa City’s renowned “Ped Mall” to emphasize community connections The first-time visitor to Iowa City’s outdoor Pedestrian Mall will quickly discover its allure—trees and gardens enliven a brick pathway, music drifts from five “street pianos,” comforting aromas waft from outdoor food carts and restaurants. And whether a visitor’s taste buds […]
Hyatt Place Chicago/Wicker Park taps into vibe of trendy Chicago neighborhood
Sky lobby and Kennedy Rooftop bar/restaurant at Hyatt Place Chicago/Wicker Park capture neighborhood charisma, display downtown Chicago for guests and locals When the elevator opens to the seventh-floor lobby at Hyatt Place Chicago/Wicker Park, guests are in for a treat: 180-degree views of a vibrant lobby, an outdoor restaurant and bar called Kennedy Rooftoop, and […]
Lake Land College’s Luther Student Center creates new welcome center, unites student services, eases navigation
Luther Student Center additions and renovations at Lake Land College revive spaces ranging from Student Life/Activities and Career Services to Laker Nest Bookstore and Lake Land Police Department “Where do I go?” New students and visitors often had trouble navigating Lake Land College’s campus in Mattoon, Illinois. There was no clearly defined entry, and student […]
New federal regulations positively impact affordable housing development and design
New administration’s goals present opportunity to elevate affordable housing design and value Shelter. It is a basic human necessity. It provides protection in comfort. This security gives people the ability to venture forth and make a life. The current challenge is that there is a high demand for affordable housing. Housing should not cause financial […]
