Richard J. Daley College MTEC | Chicago, Illinois | 2019

Architects: JGMA
Associate Architects: Cannon Design
Client: City Colleges of Chicago
Contractor: Old Veteran Construction
Landscape Architects: Terry Guen Design
Photographers: Tom Rossiter

The Daley College Manufacturing, Technology and Engineering Center (MTEC) project speaks to issues larger than architecture; it seeks to revitalize a Chicago southwest neighborhood by removing the negative stereotypes that exist in the workforce when pertaining to manufacturing careers.

The project reverses the misconception through a design focused on celebrating state-of-the-art manufacturing spaces proving that careers in this industry require tech and skills as advanced as any other.

Furthermore, the MTEC celebrates the industry through the expression of materials such as metal panels, glass, exposed steel, and a bridge’s underside intentionally painted caution yellow which is commonly seen in manufacturing.

The Daley College Manufacturing, Technology and Engineering Center (MTEC) project speaks to issues larger than architecture; it is the embodiment of the community and seeks to revitalize this southwest Chicago neighborhood by creating a connective message that all are significant and welcome.

Daily College tasked the architects with removing the negative stereotypes that exist in the workforce when pertaining to manufacturing careers, often suggesting these careers as devoid of dignity, and reserved typically for minority populations.

The project reverses the misconception through a design focused on celebrating state-of-the-art manufacturing spaces and proves careers in this industry require tech and skills as advanced as any other.

To emphasize this concept, all manufacturing program sits adjacent to the exterior.

By doing so, it is put on a platform and engages any user experiencing the project.

The transparency of the building provides a similar experience for even the casual passerby, by providing a look into the advanced technical nature of manufacturing today.

Rising from the transformed parking lot south of 76th Street, the new Manufacturing, Technology and Engineering Center becomes a timeless addition to the Richard J Daley campus and sets the framework for a wider master plan.

This project unifies the existing complex by creating a genuine campus environment that creates pathways to success by engaging and collaborative environments throughout.

The design strategy for Daley College’s MTEC utilizes building transparency to showcase machines, equipment, and products integral to the learning objectives of the colleges as well as provide a visual connection to the surrounding West Lawn community.

The seamless fluidity to the building’s form was inspired by the constant and linear flow of the manufacturing process.

The building spans the main thoroughfare with an elevated campus quad that links the south and north campus of Daley College.

Furthermore, the MTEC celebrates the industry through the expression of materials such as metal panels, glass, exposed steel, and a bridge’s underside intentionally painted caution yellow which is commonly seen in manufacturing.

The new building will not only be a catalyst for growth and change within City Colleges of Chicago, but also inspire the pursuit of manufacturing careers as a sophisticated and high-tech learning path.