Minimalist Design & Architecture | Minimalism(i)

Utilizing many in-kind material donations, such as concrete, SOS-Kinderdorf International, a world-wide not-for-profit agency committed to training foster parents and reuniting siblings, managed to complete their Lavezzorio community center in Chicago.

Multi-faceted public spaces in the building encourage a range of learning opportunities and social interaction. An extra-wide stair in the lobby doubles as classroom seating and an impromptu stage for performance. A large community room on the second floor serves as classroom, exercise room and meeting space.

Daycare classrooms on the ground floor are oriented around and have direct access to a sunlit outdoor play area. Working with budget constraints led to a design that expresses its materiality in a direct way. Concrete is layered in bands with color variation to reveal its liquid nature.

Architects: Studio Gang Architects
Photography: Steve Hall