project • deconstruction
MARKET: EDUCATION
Critical Products + Materials
project specs
Owner: University of Chicago
Architect: Ann Beha Architects, Boston
Associate Architect: Gensler, Chicago
General Contractor: Turner Construction, Chicago
Structural Engineers: Thornton Tomasetti, Chicago
MEP/FP Engineer: dbHMS, Chicago
Interiors: Ann Beha Architects, Boston
Date Opened: June 2014
Total Budget: $75,000,000
Photography: Tom Rossiter
3
2
Hope’s Windows Landmark175 series (steel casement windows)
Jamestown175 Series (steel fixed windows)
Saieh Hall for Economics,
University of Chicago
Chicago
Originally built in 1928 as the Chicago Theological Seminary,
the University of Chicago’s new Saieh Hall for Economics—
occupying a full city block—opened in June, showcasing a
$75 million renovation. While the beauty and magnificence
of the original building remains, this adaptive reuse project
has been updated with modern, efficient amenities and is on
target to receive LEED Gold.
When the project started in 2010, Boston-based Ann
Beha Architects conducted a preservation assessment to
analyze the condition of the building’s historic features and
finishes in an effort to maintain the character of the neighborhood that has hosted the university since its founding in
1890.
“The University of Chicago was committed to the preservation and restoration of this historic building,” said Kathleen
Gerner, AIA, LEED AP, Ann Beha Architects. “It is wonderful
to speak to people who knew this building when it was the
seminary. They are amazed at how it has been repurposed.”
The new 100,000-sq.-ft. Saieh Hall for Economics
includes 77,000-sq.-ft. of repurposed existing space: the former library became a classroom with restored stained glass
windows and surfaces, and the large chapel was converted
to a graduate student lounge. Also, a city alley that once
divided the building in half now links the two wings of Saieh
Hall to create its central lobby, with entry glass infill providing
a clear view for those on both the inside and the outside. The
glass fin walls can absorb large loads without compromising
the building’s structural integrity.
Additionally, 23,000-sq.-ft. of added space includes a
new below-grade tired classroom that features fully dimmable glass to provide solar control and room darkening
capabilities at the clerestory skylights, switching from completely opaque to transparent as necessary and eliminating
the need for traditional shades or blinds.
“One of the strongest aspects of this project is the
intersection between historic and contemporary design,
transforming spaces to those with completely new program
functions,” said Gerner. “Adapting historic spaces for their
current use without losing their original character-defining
features is one of the most successful parts of this project.”
Sentech glass
1
Limestone Pavers
Valders’ limestone pavers are made of highdensity dolomitic limestone with a low water
absorption rate and a high abrasion resistance.
The limestone is classified as Type 3 by the
American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) and has a MIA Classification for Soundness of A.
www.valdersstone.com or Circle 472
2
Structural Glazing
The entrance to Saieh Hall uses Sentech
laminated, low-iron, heat treated, fully tempered
glass, with a low-e coating structural glazing.
The glazing created the new monumental entry
in the location of a former vehicular alley to
connect the east and west wings of the building.
www.sentechas.com or Circle 471
3
1
60
Architectural Products Dec. 2014
Valders’ limestone pavers
Steel Casement and Fixed Windows
Hope’s Windows Landmark175 series (steel
casement windows) and Jamestown175
Series (steel fixed windows) are hot-rolled and
a full 1.75-in. deep, with narrow sightlines of
2.625-in., accommodating up to 1.125-in. glass.
The Landmark 175 Series casement windows offer a very narrow
sightline of 2.1875 in. operable windows and doors.
www.hopeswindows.com or Circle 470
Dec. 2014
Architectural Products
61
61
project • deconstruction
Critical Products + Materials
4
Smart Glass
As an alternative to traditional window shades,
Innovative Glass Corp’s SPD Smart Glass
features dimmable glass technology that
changes from clear to a dark blue tint to
tune light levels in Saieh Hall’s underground
classroom. The glass offers the ability to block over 99.5% of light
transmission, providing an environment suitable for AV teaching.
It takes the glass two seconds to switch on and 30 seconds to
switch off. www.innovativeglasscorp.com or Circle 469
5
Graduate Commons Pendants
Bubble Ring Pendants by Beta Calco have
diffusers that are injection molded, UV
stabilized and made of opal polycarbonate.
Hung in Saieh Hall’s graduate commons and
juxtaposed with the original historical lighting,
the luminaires are supplied with 7.8 m or 20-ft. of cable, which
can be extended to a maximum overall distance of 20 m or 64-ft.
Custom cable lengths are also available by special order.
www.betacalco.com or Circle 468
5
6
Classroom Track Lighting
Continuing the integration of historical
preservation and modern upgrades,
Architectural Lighting Works’ LP 11
Monumental Pendant flows seamlessly
with the original ornamental ceiling in the
new classroom. It consists of two parallel aluminum channels
approximately 11 in. across. Downlights attach between the
extrusion in an open ring or modular configuration. Additional
fluorescent uplights can be added in the parallel channels.
www.alwusa.com or Circle 467
Chalkboard Lights
7
Cooper Lighting’s Linear LEDs are suitable for
cove, casework and niche applications. The
housing of io Lighting’s line series .75 enables
functional luminous intensities from “tight”
architectural details. Similar to a halogen light
source, the LED offers superior definition to three-dimensional
objects and sparkle to reflective surfaces. The projected average
rated life is 50,000 hours at 70% of lamp lumen output.
www.cooperindustries.com or Circle 466
8
Classroom Downlights
The underground classroom has Selux’s M100
LED Linear Downlights. Made from extruded
6063-T6 aluminum construction, exact cut
lengths and custom configurations are both
available. Multiple dimming options provide
energy savings for the unique below-grade space and add
functionality to the design of the classroom. There is tool-less
access to the optical chamber. The lights are available in cable,
stem and wall mountings. www.selux.us or Circle 465
6
9
7
62
Architectural Products Dec. 2014
Rulon’s Aluratone panel series, with its tongue-
and-groove system, was installed in a Red Oak
veneer with a clear finish and stained to match
the adjacent historic finishes replicated in Saieh
Hall’s underground classroom. The high-end
acoustic paneling combines the warmth and beauty of wood with
acoustical performance, allowing designers to choose from a
variety of acoustical characteristics and panel surfaces.
www.rulonco.com or Circle 464
10
10
Acoustic Wood Panels
Fixed Tables
Ideal for the classroom, Nienkamper’s tables
combine curved, veneered tabletops with
advanced connectivity solutions. The units
can be constructed at two heights and many
design options, including tops and panels in
a spectrum of wood finishes and laminate. The faceted modesty
panels can be specified at varying heights, while the tabletop
privacy screen is also available in two heights.
www.nienkamper.com or Circle 463