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Academic Building

College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Campus jewel radiates beside water

A concept for a 100,000-square-foot academic center commands an adjacent pond, which becomes an orienting device for those within the facility. The design encourages people to linger and engage in the building and its surroundings. Legat worked with designer Steve Brubaker on the concept.

highlights

Spherical planetarium on the water serves as focal point
Grand community space flows out into the lake
Boardwalk that wraps facility offers opportunities for socialization and reflection

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Campus Centerpiece

Although the building is made of metal and glass, its curvilinear forms evoke the edges of leaves, the waves of water, and other natural phenomena. The center and its gardens embrace the western edge of the pond, creating clear views to it and the entire campus.

Versatile Community Space

Two wings converge at a community space that is flexible enough to host activities ranging from spontaneous student meetings to formal fundraising events.

A 3D Solution

Watch this video to learn about how we used 3D printing to quickly create a customized model of the academic center.

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Process Imagery

Designers created different concepts inspired by natural themes.