Chicago Prize 2021

Our proposal evolves the original “people’s center” concept of the Thompson Center to address the
need for access and advocacy of equitable public education. Across from City Hall, One Chicago
School envisions a new prototype public school focused on public policy and civic engagement for
students in Chicago to learn, question, and ignite change.

The central atrium space remains the main feature of the building but is turned inside-out as an
extension of the exterior plaza urban space with three “green trays” located at each of the setback tiers
of the façade containing educational outdoor playgrounds, gardens, and playing fields. As exterior
space, the mechanical systems required to cool the atrium can be removed to save energy and upgrade
costs while providing natural ventilation and biophilic green spaces for the school.

A secure entry to the school is added at the ground floor retail program, and the second-floor acts
as a buffer between commercial / public spaces and the school with offices for social incubators and
educational foundations / co-working space such as IIT’s Institute of Design Action Lab. The school
program stacks the youngest students on the lower floors up through the high school levels and tops
out with adult education spaces allowing students & their families to learn, collaborate and foster
entrepreneurship between the school and outside education partners.

Reusing the Thompson Center’s impactful design enables a new model of urban public education and
maintains a place for the people of Illinois to engage, rest, shop, and learn.