East-West University’s new student life center is located in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood. Because of the land constraints of the urban site the design team translated the traditional university experience into a tower with a vertical quad at its center. The 17-story tower is organized into two major parts – the “base” and the residence above. The base blends educational and student life spaces arranged around a 100’ tall atrium - a vertical quad. The first floor commons contains a

student café, university bookstore, and food services. The upper floors include classrooms, faculty offices, a gymnasium and wellness spaces, and the university library. Above the base are apartment style dorm suites all with clear views to the lake and city.