In a growing and changing society, people are choosing to live together - transforming not just the buildings we live in, but the way we live in them.
intergenerational living
CONCEPT
CONCEPT
In this collaborative project, my partner, Alexandra Yacko, and I devised a plan to renovate an existing Columbia College Chicago building and turn it into an intergenerational building model.
This concept of intergenerational living comes from the era of New Urbanism, where the idea is that by blending families with school-age children, young adults, and seniors we can build a community that enhances our understanding of one another.
Seeing that the building Location is surrounded by a vibrant, creative bustling community that is a mix of different ages and ethnicities, we wanted to create a space that catered to the intermingling of artists and ideas while keeping in mind the principles of universal design and aging-in-place.
drawing inspiration
Architecture
Architecture
Our residential brand is inspired by the name of the original building’s architect Christian A Eckstorm. The building was built in 1912 with a Chicago School architectural style in mind. From the Terra-cotta cornice and neo-classical ornamentation to the heavy masonry and brick exterior, this building has a raw yet sophisticated nature that rings true to classic Chicago.
drawing inspiration
Haiku
Haiku
as an introduction to the schematic design process, I drew inspiration from my move to Chicago two years ago. I recall feeling instantly taken away by the city's classic charm, bustling streets, and fantastic views of Lake Michigan. It was almost intoxicating how enamored I was with the rawness of the urban environment and how I felt welcomed everywhere I went. Even in the chilliest months, the city would unveil yet another one of its many hidden gems, keeping me entertained through the springtime.
That being said, when manifesting the desire I had behind creating this residential space, I wanted for everyone who came to Eckstorm Archives to feel that same feeling that did of unconditional acceptance and classic Chicago charm.
Brand Strategy
In keeping with the trend of the Chicago style architecture and feel, we drafted an interior space that welcomes that local city feels for people to clamor to work, create, eat, and live in.
Residing in an older Chicago building, we chose materials that would prize timeless comfort over contemporary trends. The design of each floor favors vintage and bespoke items that are meant to feel homey and locally sourced.
1014 S Michigan is in a prime south loop location with views that overlook Lake Michigan and Grand Park.
Whether you are a student, retired artist, or a family with kids, there are several amenities such as transportation, parks, schools, restaurants, parking, and grocery store that are all located within a 2 block radius.
we understand that advertising a residential living space with a mixed-generational tagline will not produce true intergenerational interaction and interest. it's the Thoughtful design through the endorsement of local parks, festivals, and other community amenities that will help to promote intergenerational attraction and break down barriers between different groups of people.
Defining Our Users
The two main apartment styles throughout the building are the studio and the two-bedroom units. Each apartment is equipped with age-in-place features such as single-level rooms, easily accessible light switches, bathroom grab bars, and an open floor plan that is easy to navigate.
Recognizing that we want to cater to anyone who is looking to live off of S Michigan Avenue, it is important to highlight these features that make this space universally accessible.
Stacking diagram
To best display the different features on each floor of the four-story building, we devised a stacking diagram to showcase both the public and private Floors.
Amenity Collages:
Work studio & Cafe
Work studio & Cafe
Floor 01 Layout
The first floor is made up of a lobby area, a residential Laundry room, and a public cafe, creating the perfect space for residents as well as visitors to grab a cup of coffee or work on a project. The main stairways are located on the north wall alongside the elevators.
The first floor has three separate entryways into the building. the main entryway that accesses the lobby is off of Michigan Avenue, while the other two entry points that access the cafe and emergency hallway are located off of 11th street.
These multiple points of access make it easier for people to enter the building while also allowing for a faster way to reach one's destination.
Public cafe
This is a rendering of the Eckstorm public cafe. The materiality throughout the space stays true to the original design intent by incorporating vintage reclaimed materials and furniture.
It was essential for us to Focus on using raw exposed materials with a mix of softer colors and fabrics such as the white rustic shiplap, green and raspberry distressed velvet, and the mixed stained wood.
furniture plan
Floors 02-03 Layout
Floors 02-03 Layout
The second and third floors consist of the same apartment layouts. Both focus on functionality and spatial flow. The windows are located on the south and east walls allowing for each apartment to have its own natural light.
furniture plan
Floor 04 Layout
Floor 04 Layout
The fourth floor consists of both apartments and an art studio. The art studio is located in the center of the floor plan and is a great space for residents to collaborate.
materials
Work Studio
Work Studio
This is a rendering of the residential work studio. The design of the space was to focus on creating a comfortable environment where residents can collaborate with each other, view featured works of art, and, or store extra art materials.
Rooftop Terrace Layout
The rooftop terrace is a great place to spend some time outside during any season. The terrace is a private space that is only accessible to the residents of Eckstorm Archives. It consists of a large area for individuals to lounge, garden, and enjoy a warm fireplace.
Studio Apartment
Collages
Collages
Studio Apartment
These rooms are what make up most of the apartments in the building on the south wall. The studio apartment is 642 square feet and accompanies a bedroom separated by a glass curtain wall, a bathroom with a walk-in shower, a one-wall kitchen system, a small dining area, and a living study space.
Studio Apartment
The studio unit features a collection of sophisticated yet homey reclaimed materials and furniture pieces. Some of the featured materials in the space are A natural saddle dyed leather sofa, a pistachio green velvet armchair, Baltic oak flooring, a green marble dining table and dusty rose ecolak cabinetry. Between the hard and soft materials, I stuck with lighter tones and glossy finishes to best reflect the light and warmth throughout the space.
2 Bedroom Apartment
Collages
Collages
2 bedroom apartment
The design of this 2 bedroom unit is a nod to the intergenerational design intent, with more space for more people allows for greater social interaction. The location of the two-bedroom apartment is near the elevator, making it an easily accessible living space for people with disabilities.
With a large one-wall kitchen system, dining set for 4, cozy living area, double vanity sink, and two private bedrooms it is the perfect space that harnesses both areas of minimally stimulating environment and shared spaces.
2 Bedroom Apartment
The two-bedroom unit unites a compilation of custom-made wallpaper, vintage furniture pieces, and reclaimed wooden floorboards. these elements are featured in all the bedrooms, alongside well-crafted area rugs, and pieces by local artists. In this space, I have incorporated a work by Kristen Shepard Beard who is a senior at Columbia College. Some of the featured materials in the space are: Charcoal matte ecolak cabinetry, a Bianco Carrera marble tabletop, baltic oak wood flooring, pistachio green velvet sectional, and silhouette vinyl wallpaper made by inkistro Bianco. Well-made products are made too late and in this space, I wanted to focus on incorporating high-quality materials that will last for years and new tenants come.
Section view
longitudinal section
longitudinal section
This longitudinal section view that faces north, encompasses all the amenities and residential areas that are on each floor. By examining the horizontal pathways, we are able to see how people enter through the first floor and the proximity between residences. The vertical plane best depicts the relationship between the studio space and the hipped glass roof that extends up through the rooftop garden. Whether you are searching for a creative residential space to collaborate with other artists in or you're looking for a spot to grab a coffee in the mornings, Eckstorm archives are there to accommodate you and our friends in the south loop community.
