РусскийNortheastern Illinois University entrusted the extension of one of its four campuses to the JGMA studio, known for a contemporary vision of architecture, whose combination of aesthetic innovation with the most advanced technology is transforming the Chicago skyline.
To create the “EL Centro” project, the JGMA team created a building with a futuristic appearance through a construction notable for its asymmetry. The result is a fresh, dynamic design which boosts the natural lighting of the interior spaces through a glazed facade over practically the whole surface. All of this generates a pleasant, comfortable atmosphere which encourages the students’ learning, even outside of the classrooms.
In the lower area of the building, the large windows are combined with a Butech ventilated facade system which has been covered with the On Black Nature technical porcelain tile by Urbatek. This material offers unbeatable technical performance due to its high resistance, even in adverse weather conditions, as well as an elegant appearance which perfectly encompasses the building’s aesthetic.
We also find other materials from PORCELANOSA Group inside the building, where several counters have been created with the Krion® solid surface, with which the same oblique forms which are prominent in the recognisable silhouette of El Centro have been recreated. Additionally, this new generation compact mineral material has also been used in the covering of the entrance of the university facilities.
One of the most striking features of the El Centro design is the change of colour according to perspective, thanks to a succession of two-colour panels which cover the whole glazed facade of the building. Its location, next to the busy Kennedy Expressway, allow numerous drivers to see the building during their journey to work or on the way home, as cars circulating in the direction of Chicago only see the yellow colour, while those driving in the opposite direction only see the blue.
