August 11, 2020

Richard J. Daley College in Chicago Unveils Manufacturing Technology & Engineering Center by JGMA

The geometric exterior of the new Manufacturing Technology & Engineering Center at Daley College creates a striking visual. Photography courtesy of Tom Rossiter. 

Without experts in advanced-manufacturing and engineering, the infrastructure systems that power our cities would not exist. And an estimated 20,000 such individuals, currently honing their skills at Chicago’s Richard J. Daley College, are about to experience a major facility upgrade. The recently completed Manufacturing Technology & Engineering Center at Daley College by Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects adds aesthetic value to its South Side locale while positioning graduates to transition into jobs that fuel development in the region. 

Natural light streams in the large-scale windows, highlighting the bright interior colors. Photography courtesy of Tom Rossiter. 

The 52,000-square-foot building covers the majority of the 76 St. central thoroughfare, with a pedestrian bridge linking the MTEC to the rest of the college. The walkway includes seats, alcoves, and platforms to encourage collaboration and allow for learning outside of the classroom. 

The underside of the pedestrian bridge adds color to the curbside appeal in “Caution Tape” yellow.  Photography courtesy of Tom Rossiter. 

Visible from the main lobby, a high bay training area allows for ample space to work with large machinery. The rest of the building’s industrial style is punctuated with pops of color to liven up the space. In fact, the inspiration for the color palette came from the different machines in the training area.

The expansive glass windows highlight the machinery and work being done by students inside the building. Photography courtesy of Tom Rossiter. 

The “by Chicago, for Chicago” ethos that overrides this project is certainly a point of pride. The chancellor of City Colleges of Chicago, Juan Salgado, says, “Daley College’s MTEC will help ensure that people from across Chicago’s communities are ready to compete for and land increasingly skilled positions in these lucrative fields and help us create a more inclusive Chicago economy.”

 Inside of the walkway the “Caution Tape” yellow also makes an appearance. Photography courtesy of Tom Rossiter. 

Project Team: Architect of Record: CannonDesign.

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