Ross Barney Architects Designs Technical College Building with Exposed Mechanical Systems for Educational Transparency
By
Ben Dreith
Baker's choice. Dense with flavour, light on filler.
Summary
Ross Barney Architects designed the Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation (CATI) at McHenry County College with an industrial aesthetic that exposes mechanical systems like ducts, pipes, and machinery. The design intentionally showcases the building's infrastructure to create a learning environment where students can see and interact with the very systems they're studying. The 121,000-square-foot facility serves technical education programs and features flexible lab spaces, collaborative areas, and sustainable design elements while maintaining transparency between different program areas.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledChicago-based practice Ross Barney Architects has highlighted ducts and machinery at an industrial-style community college building outside of Chicago, USA, to expose students to the very mechanical systems taught at the school.
The Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation (CATI) at McHenry County College (MCC) was designed for technical education.
The design intentionally exposes mechanical systems, structural elements, and building infrastructure to create a learning environment where students can see and interact with the systems they're studying.
The 121,000-square-foot facility serves as a hub for technical education programs including advanced manufacturing, engineering, computer science, and industrial technology.
The building's industrial aesthetic extends to its material palette, featuring exposed concrete, steel, and glass, with mechanical systems painted in bright colors to make them stand out as educational features.
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