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Homeland Security Education Center

College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Midwestern epicenter enhances skills of first responders, symbolizes regional and national safety

The Homeland Security Education Center is an epicenter for multi-jurisdictional training in the Midwest. It is designed to prepare first responders for international and domestic terrorist acts, as well as man-made and natural disasters. The 60,000-square-foot facility houses the College of DuPage’s Criminal Justice and Fire Science Technology programs, as well as the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy and the COD Police Department. Legat collaborated with Brubaker Design on this project.

HIGHLIGHTS

Interior Immersive Training Lab
Emergency Management Training Center
Forensics lab
Internet/social media crime investigations lab
Ambulance simulator
Mock courtroom/auditorium
Outdoor training tower
9/11 memorial

Homeland Security Education Center – Awards

Awards/Recognition

LEED-NC certified, U.S. Green Building Council

Best Higher Education/Research Project, ENR Midwest

Project of the Year, New Construction – Suburbs, Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO)

Finalist, Patron of the Year Award, Chicago Architecture Foundation

“Interior Immersive Training Lab,” Laboratory Design

“Public Safety, First Responders,” Illinois Municipal Review

Watch video: tour the Homeland Security Education Center (10:01)

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Solid and Distinctive

The owner wanted a facility solid enough to support its function, yet distinctive enough to get noticed. Designers achieved this by housing the building in a rectangular mass with height, color, and material differences.

Video: Simulated Emergency Scenario

Watch as local police departments reenact the infamous North Hollywood Bank Robbery in the Interior Immersive Training Lab.

cod-homeland-security-interior-simulation

cod-homeland-security-auditorium-courtroom

Double Duty

At first, departmental leaders requested a 200,000-square-foot facility to meet their needs. However, the budget did not allow for a building that large. Legat’s team proposed solutions to share spaces like the auditorium/mock courtroom. This allowed the college to reduce the square footage to 60,000 without sacrificing programmatic needs.

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Discovery and Remembrance

The lobby outside the auditorium displays a 1,000-pound I-beam from one of the fallen World Trade Center Towers, along with images and quotes related to the tragedy.
In the north corridor, display cases built into a crenellated wall house historical emergency response memorabilia (e.g., uniforms, tools).
Undulating walls of glass and metal distinguish the facility, pique curiosity, and enhance acoustic performance.

Technology Meets Nature

Designers used cost-effective metal panels to reflect the industrial look of nearby facilities and draw attention to the center. The panels use three shades of blue-green to suggest technological innovation and blend with the natural surroundings.

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