Environmental Features
The Information Commons (IC) employs a number of natural and mechanical building systems and strategies, resulting in a totally integrated design. The building's form, space, function, materials and construction all act to enforce and support each other in creating an environment that maximizes comfort while reducing energy consumption by approximately 50 percent.
The IC is designed as a high-performance building that maximizes thermal comfort and indoor air quality for students, faculty and staff using the building. Unlike many older buildings with ceiling-supplied forced-air heating and cooling, which is less efficient and difficult to control, the IC uses a combination of underfloor air distribution and radiant concrete ceilings that provide thermal mass to cool in the summer and heat in the winter. This unique mechanical design, coupled with an automated high performance building envelope, harnesses natural ventilation, eliminating the need for mechanical systems during two months of the year. The advanced mechanical system and the building envelope are constantly monitored and adjusted by a central building-computer system to achieve a very energy efficient building.
The environmentally engineered building seeks silver-level LEED certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings.
Key design elements of the IC include:
- Chicago's first double-skin facade for passive management of heat flow and natural ventilation throughout the year
- A mechanically operable blind within the facade that adjusts daylight levels and heat transmittance from the afternoon sun
- Radiant concrete-slab ceilings that provide thermal mass to cool in the summer and heat in the winter
- A green roof that absorbs rainwater and relieves some of the runoff into Lake Michigan
- Sophisticated systems controlled by an array of sensors that monitor the temperature, humidity and CO2 levels within the building
- Windows, dampers, shades and blinds that respond to climate data and adjust automatically
- Carpet tiles made from recycled content and formaldehyde-free products
- Specific surface coatings on glass, shades and blinds to mitigate heat gain
The Information Commons is the winner of the following award(s):
- 2007 LEAF Award for Best Use of Technology