The David M. Rubenstein Forum is a 10-story, 95,000-square-foot structure located on the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus. It contains: multipurpose rooms, an auditorium, meeting rooms, a board room, a demonstration kitchen, and numerous pre-function spaces with connecting levels.

Primera’s scope for this project included design for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety and fire protection systems. Primera also provided code analysis support, addressing local code issues such as ADA, fixture counts, egress requirements, fire department access, and fire separation. Finally, Primera provided energy services, developing the whole building energy model, including façade analysis optimization and life cycle cost analysis of various system options.

The project delivery system implemented the Target Value Design approach, working with a construction manager from the project inception. The project team was fully integrated and budget trade-offs between architecture and engineered systems occurred throughout the design process.

Interior photos © Jason Smith | Exterior photos © Angie McGonigal Photography