UNO Elementary School Soccer Academy Chicago based architecture firm, JGMA has recently completed work on a soccer-focused elementary school for the United Neighborhood Organization (UNO). The innovative design and school program take on a new and progressive approach to education. Located on the Southwest side of Chicago in the Gage Park neighborhood, the building stands as a shinning beacon for the community. Engaging students as well as residents of the predominantly Hispanic neighborhood to play active roles in their education, through means of a strong curriculum supplemented by the culturally embraced sport of soccer, community outreach programs, and intelligent design.
The design of the building itself is inspired in part by the educational development of the children it serves. Just as a child grows, the building appears to grow out of the ground, where programs such as learning theaters, administrative components, and classrooms frame a soccer field courtyard. Developmentally essential programs including a fitness center and resource library progress the movement of the building gradually upward. Finally, the building culminates in a community center that frames views of the Chicago skyline, inspiring students and neighboring residents to achieve their potential.
This highly innovative design turns a conventional elementary school inside out. By locating the corridors along the largely glass perimeter of the building while simultaneously locating a full-height glass wall along the interior classrooms, the school is able to dramatically increase daylight and views inside the classrooms. Natural light is therefore allowed to fully penetrate the spaces, creating an effective and efficient teaching and learning environment. This arrangement allows for the additional benefits of increased teaching surfaces in the classrooms, as well as a heightened sense of community connectivity whereby student activity within the corridors is showcased along the building’s exterior.
This school embodies what educational facilities should represent; the hopes and dreams of their local communities. The project opened September 2011 in collaboration with Design Builder/Structural: Ghafari Associates; Electrical & Mechanical Consultant: Primera; and Landscape Architect: Terry Guen Associates. In November 2011, UNO received Chicago Architecture Foundation 'Patron of the Year' Award for the UNO Soccer Academy. Correspondingly, in December 2011, the project was included by Blair Kamin as ‘Best architecture of 2011’; and similarly highlighted by Lee Bey as one of ‘The best in Chicago architecture 2011.
