University of Illinois Plans Discovery Partners Institute

The University of Illinois will break ground in 2024 on the 200,000-sf Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) in Chicago. Catalyzing applied research programs in data analytics and computing, the eight-story facility will feature a soaring atrium with flexible circulation routes to foster collaboration between academic and industry stakeholders. A publically accessible ground floor will include an auditorium, a café, and multipurpose rooms for teaching, meeting, and gathering. The upper levels will house computational research labs, experimental suites, classrooms, offices, and an immersive data visualization theater. On the top floor, an event venue surrounded by a rooftop terrace will offer a variety of settings for formal and informal interaction. 

The state of Illinois is contributing $500 million in capital funding to launch the Discovery Partners Institute and establish an innovation network at several regional universities. OMA is acting as lead design architect with Jacobs as executive architect, engineer, and laboratory planner. The project team includes structural engineers Thornton Tomasetti and Stearn Joglekar, civil and geotechnical engineer Collins, MEP/FP engineer Primera, code consultant SGH, and cost consultants Vermeulens and Vistara. Atelier Ten and UpFront Regenerative Design are the sustainability consultants for the facility with Lerch Bates providing engineering services spanning vertical transportation, materials handling, waste management, and façade access. The Illinois Capital Development Board is overseeing the design and construction of the building, which is sited on land donated by Related Midwest in the innovation district known as The 78.