CHICAGO, IL — Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) celebrates a citation of merit in AIA Chicago’s 2020 Design Excellence Awards program for Tooker House at Arizona State University.

Tooker House is a case study on the impact of design solutions created for unique student groups. Working closely with the University, American Campus Communities, and the Fulton Schools of Engineering, Tooker House is a tailored living/learning facility for first-year engineering students designed to support both their academic success and social growth and development. 

Using the vernacular of desert architecture as its point of departure, the design team sought to create a sustainable building appropriate to its context that could endure, and even leverage, the harsh desert climate of Tempe. The southern façade’s now iconic array of perforated vertical louvers were designed and positioned according to a sophisticated algorithm to mitigate solar radiation, while allowing daylight to reach the interior.

The louvers change in pattern and intensity throughout the day in response to the sun, resulting in a sense of continual movement. This active façade contributes to a unique sense of place and serves as a dramatic backdrop to the “Beach” and surrounding residential district.

Congratulations to the whole project team, including:

Arizona State University
American Campus Communities
Okland Construction
Sixthriver Architects (Residential Interiors)
PK Associates, LLC
GLHN Architects & Engineers, Inc.
Trueform
PlanNet Consulting LLC
HDR