David M. Rubenstein Forum

Chicago, Illinois

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

Services Provided
Mechanical Design, Electrical Design, Plumbing Design, Fire Protection Design, Energy Modeling, Life Safety, and Code Consulting
Owner
The University of Chicago
Awards
2022 Best Tall Building Worldwide and Americas Awards, 2022 ACEC-IL Engineering Excellence Award, 2022 AIA Chicago Design Excellence Award, 2022 AIA Chicago People's Choice Award, 2022 IES Merit Award, 2022 IALD Award of Merit, 2021 ASHRAE Technology Award
Our Expertise
  • Buildings
    Buildings
    Buildings

    Whether building new or renovating, we provide engineering and design services for a variety of structures and systems.

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    Transportation
    Transportation

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  • Utilities
    Utilities
    Utilities

    We provide full-service electrical, civil, and structural engineering services to support even the most complex power systems.

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  • Business Consulting
    Business Consulting
    Business Consulting

    Across all three areas of expertise, we offer integrated business consulting services tailored to clients’ specific needs.

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Chicago (Headquarters)
(312) 606-0910 View All Locations

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