Multilingual Chicago

Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States

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Multilingual Chicago

Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States

Firm

Atelier Azara

Type

Educational › Other

YEAR

2010

BUDGET

$0 - 10K

The project islocated in the recently-rehabbed, historic OrbitBuilding on the corner of Milwaukee and Central parkin the Logan Square/Avondale area. Withthe help of a grant from the City of Chicago'sSmall Business Improvement Fund, the first tenant space of 1,669SF was built tocreate a comfortable learning environment for adults and kids. The first space wasdesigned by Northlight Architects and completed in the fall of 2009. Having already outgrown the space withprograms and services within nine months, the owner and personal friend Dr.Jill Bishop contacted Atelier Azara to facilitate the architectural design forthe expansion of 1,350SF in the spring of 2010. The theme for the new space, which woulddouble the companies presence at this site, was intended to remain sympatheticto the same architectural vocabulary as the existing. With a straightforward program that nearly mirrorsthe current space; the expanded tenant space was meant to bolster an increase andvariety of learning and teaching space. Programmaticrequirements sought to augment the major large learning classrooms whileexpanding the existingcafé, overall access, storage, toilet facility and open offices. The addition of private tutoring officesbecomes an asset for small and focused individual learning that was unavailablein the original space. The axial circulationfor guests divides the two sets of learning and teaching areas to provide agracious zone that links the rear Café/Kitchen area with the reception/openoffice space of the entry. The largeincreased corridor allowed for natural light to penetrate deep into the tenantspace. The owner utilized the resourcesof local artwork from the neighborhood through the Milwaukee Arts Festival to adda localized flavor while supporting area business and entrepreneurs. The design maintainedthe existing tall concrete ceilings along with exposed mechanical services andelectrical lighting, from which the lofty but gracious space avoided thefeeling of traditionally cramped interior spaces.The interior materials were very simple, readily available locally and costeffective. The use of painted drywall, stockwood trim, pendant high bay fixtures and wall sconces, provides a welcomingatmosphere as you traverse internally from the busy commercial retail street. Interior apertures were introduced on the interiorwalls to add increased visual access and control by introducing full visionpanelized doors for the classrooms and glass vision interior windows in theprivate offices. The colorful palettehelps as visual aids of learning for children and adults. In an effort to reduce and maintain a lowproject cost, the client had direct buys from local suppliers and companies tominimize shipping and access. A successful partnership with the contractor for both spaces ensured continuityof language and the consistency of sound but affordable buildingsolutions. This was a successful venturewith a limited budget and quick turnaround for a newly formed business, nowwith expanded offerings inside a large 3,000+ square foot storefront facility. It truly signifies a triumphant story ofgrowth and prosperity during a troubling economic period.