The program of the Copernicus Center includes a flexible multi-purpose space and a strength training room for fitness activities at a senior citizen center. Generous daylighting enhances the fitness environment. Broad projecting eaves shield the clerestory windows from direct solar gain. Elegantly detailed, exposed structural steel maximizes the interior volume of the building and provides visual interest. At night indirect lighting reflecting off of the ceiling plane gives the building a strong presence in the community. Natural materials are used in the interior spaces to enhance the architectural design.
''The Copernicus Fitness Center is a beautiful, state of the art facility.''
Richard M. Daley
Mayor, City of Chicago
Year: 2000
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Area: 3,785 square feet
Key Features
multi-purpose exercise room
strength training room
covered main entrance
controlled daylighting
City of Chicago fitness center for senior citizens
Awards
2006 Best In Class Award, Brick Industry Association
2002 Merit Award, Chicago Building Congress
2001 Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design
New Chicago Architecture Exhibit
2001 The Chicago Architecture Foundation, AIA Chicago
Design Excellence Awards Exhibit
2001 Distinguished Building Award, AIA Chicago
2001 Excellence in Architecture Award, AIA Northeast Illinois
2001 Merit in Design Award, Society of American Registered Architects
2001 Gold Medal Award, Association of Licensed Architects
2000 Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design
Chicago, Illinois; Milan, Italy; Thessaloniki, Greece
American Architecture Awards Exhibit
2000 Honorable Mention Award, Illinois Indiana Masonry Council
1999 The Chicago Architecture Foundation, AIA Chicago
Chicago Architecture: The Art of the Long View Exhibit