“ JGMA ’ s design is a physical manifestation of the forward-thinking nature of the SOS
Children ’ s Villages organization .
JGMA
This center is an 11,000 square foot space that serves the children and families at Roosevelt Square Village and surrounding communities . Programs include academic , therapeutic , social , and recreational support ; multi-use spaces for community members to connect to public resources and engage in training , activities , and events ; and a signature culinary kitchen providing food and nutrition education , as well as job-skills training for the hospitality industry . In addition to the more than one hundred children and families cared for by SOS Illinois , more than 5,000 people from the surrounding neighborhoods are served by the center .
JGMA ’ s design is a physical manifestation of the forward-thinking nature of the SOS Children ’ s Villages organization . In the roof , solar panels are located to generate direct electricity to the center , reducing electricity costs and CO2 emissions . Inside the blue corrugated metal panel , the one-story building creates a dialogue which is fostered between private programming , administrative and counseling offices , and more open , collective , and communal programs : group computer , study areas , community event space , and a learning kitchen .
SOS Children ’ s Villages Illinois is served by public transportation ( CTA 60 bus and Blue and Pink rapid transit line stations ), automobile , bicycle , and pedestrian access . Through these many modes of accessing the new location , the SOS Children ’ s Villages participates in and augments the vibrancy of the existing neighborhood .
Processional approaches to the building through a public plaza and community gardens also contribute to a sense of arrival , while establishing a positive street presence , clear site circulation , and
community-oriented outdoor gathering . Ultimately , this new center facilitates and encourages community interaction , while providing for safe and comfortable facilities for children , families , and staff .
www . jgma . com
Photos : Tom Rotisser PAGE 39 - ARCHETECH