College Campus Block & Student Center

Depaul University, Chicago, Illinois

1995

This is a design for an urban college campus. Creating a pedestrian environment appropriate for a college, the design includes a large, tree-lined, inner-block quad, inspired by the historic American campus. A Student Quarter is also introduced with its intimate squares and narrow pedestrian streets, hearkening back to the villages of Europe.  Students and professors alike will be able to walk among a variety of spaces, enjoying the well-defined, engaging, and peaceful setting. The pedestrian-oriented design will breed a sense of familiarity that is the basis of community.

A new Student Center, designed in the Collegiate Gothic style typical of the Depaul campus, defines one edge of the new quad. Its beautiful and majestic tower receives views along several approaching routes. A new administration building is located at the head of the new quad and appropriate support buildings define the remainder of the edges.

The Student Quarter includes bars, restaurants and shops on the ground floor with apartments on the above floors. The quarter is meant to provide an intimate setting in which students and professors can informally interact. It is located between the new Student Center and new Dining Hall where the community will relax and engage in social interaction.

Many students will be living on campus and will not have cars. Any needed parking for students, professors or other university employees is found at the periphery of the block in the form of on-street parking.