Perkins+Will selected to design Northwestern University Research Building on old Prentice site

In the competiton seeking proposals to replace Bertrand Goldberg’s iconic Prentice Woman’s Hospital in Chicago, Northwestern University has selected Perkins+Will as the winning firm.

P+W prevailed over two other shortlisted teams — Goettsch Partners/Ballinger and Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture/Payette — and will get to design the new 600,000 square foot Biomedical Research Building for the Feinberg School of Medicine on Northwestern University’s downtown Chicago campus.

Read on for Perkins+Will's announcement and click here to read more about the Prentic preservation controversy on Bustler's sister site Archinect.

"The competition winning design creates space for synergy and collaboration, builds a seamless physical connection to Northwestern’s existing facilities, and integrates with Streeterville’s vibrant urban setting. In its sculptural design, it reinforces Chicago’s progressive modern-architecture heritage and advances sustainable practices with green technology and design features that support environmental and personal health."

"Perkins+Will developed the building form and exterior in response to various internal and external drivers, including the creation of laboratory neighborhoods, access to daylight and views, connection to existing buildings and an acknowledgement of Superior Street as the main corridor for the research campus. In its flexible conferencing suites and break/lounge areas, as well as collaborative spaces in lab neighborhoods, our design creates a dynamic, collegial environment in which important scientific discoveries will take place."

"The new Biomedical Research Building will anchor the University’s research facilities and be the hub of a world-class research and development enterprise that attracts innovation and entrepreneurship."