Team A blended two primary goals in the design of By The Hand Club For Kids’ (BTH) first ground-up building: brand integration and cost-effectiveness. The 26,000sf after-school center was largely constructed of prefabricated systems that decreased costs and improved project delivery. This savings provided an opportunity to add moments back in that featured the organization’s identity. With the incorporation of larger than life images of kids (from other BTH clubs) into the exterior skin and interior space, an emotional connection has been created with the community. Through many vantage points, including visibility from the CTA / Metra rail lines, the imagery and the green roof present a new optimism for change in a well deserving neighborhood.
Status: Built
Location: Chicago, IL, US
My Role: Principal Architect
Additional Credits: Photography by Tom Harris of Hedrich Blessing