UNO Soccer Academy 2011 Chicago, IL

 UNO Soccer Academy
2011
Chicago, IL

Client
United Neighborhood Organization (UNO)

Design Architect
JGMA (Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects)
Chicago, IL
Principal
Juan Gabriel Moreno, AIA
Design Architect
Cosmin Vrajtoru
Project Designers
John Rausch
David Ruffing
Interior Designer
Linda Chavez

Architect of Record
Ghafari Associates
Chicago, IL
Principal
E. Angelo Kokkino, AIA
Project Architect
Steve Santucci, AIA
Project Manager
August Mitchell
Job Captain
Ayse Bautz, LEED AP

Structural Engineer
Ghafari Associates

MEP/FP Engineer
Primera Engineers

Landscape Architect
Terry Guen Design Associates

Lighting Designer
Windy City Electric Co.

Interior Designer
JGMA

Contractor/Construction Manager
Ghafari Associates

Glazing
Oldcastle

Interior Floors
Armstrong, Johnsonite, Amtico, InterfaceFLOR

Doors
La Force

Gym Wood Floors
Robbins Sports Surfaces

Steel
Zalk Josephs

Site Area
3 acres

Building Area
63,000 sf

Charter schools, while part of the public education system, offer alternatives to traditional public schools. Many are started by non-profits and provide curriculum specialized in a certain area. The United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) works towards improving the Hispanic neighborhoods in Chicago, and its Soccer Academy on the city's South Side is an important part of this. Focused on the sport as an activity and way to boost school participation, the dynamic school design by Juan Moreno of JGMA with Ghafari Associates is receiving praise from critics and the public alike. Both JGMA and Ghafari Associates answered some questions about the project.