Dwight Building Student Residences
Chicago, Illinois
2008

The Dwight Building, located in Printer’s Row, transformed into a 700-bed student residence building to accommodate growing interest in on-campus housing. In its century-long history, Columbia College has grown from a small commuter school to a nationally-recognized arts and media college.

Booth Hansen’s design wraps the original historic building on two sides with a new structure, respecting the rhythm and proportion of the original architecture while establishing a distinct modern identity. Common corridors and consistent floor plans unify the two buildings, while an 11th floor Sky Lounge accommodates informal student gathering and recreation. The units are suite-style in plan, with small groups sharing bathrooms and common space.

The redevelopment of the Dwight Building expands Columbia’s campus in the South Loop campus, encourages local economic growth, and supports the College’s long-standing role as a steward of Chicago’s architectural history.

Two offset linear masses linked by a light-filled kitchen contain living and sleeping spaces respectively. The courtyards that result from this configuration are extensions of the interior spaces, made accessible by the operable glass facade that brings natural light and ventilation in. Deep roof overhangs and the relocation of existing olive trees provide shade to all glass exposures. An infinity-edge pool reinforces the floating roof lines. Views are caught in reflections off the glass and water, changing with every shift in perspective and passing hour. A forty-two foot long painting brings natural themes and colors indoors as it stretches across the living spaces. With its clean lines and limited palette, the home serves as a backdrop for the panoramic views and owners’ art collection.

The project presented an opportunity to restore the native desert landscape that had been disrupted by lawn from a previous development. The home’s mindful footprint preserves existing drought-tolerant vegetation on approximately sixty percent of the site. The structural system maximizes the use of wood, thereby relying on local materials and labor. A Palm Springs craftsman produced the custom thin-profile window system.

2016 Gold Nugget Awards - Grand Award for Best Custom Home