For new Chinese immigrants arriving in Chicago, the Kam Liu Community Center may provide their first encounter with a public building. For this reason, the design is intended to impart a sense of familiarity and welcoming. Details such as the lattice sunscreen utilize a Chinese palette of color and pattern. The design features controllable natural day-lighting and ventilation that make the center a comfortable place in which to work and learn.

The plan is organized to maximize intergenerational contact: a characteristic of the Chinese community. In the double-height community room, flexibly-designed spaces accommodate activities for the young and old, and allow their schedules to overlap.

Fourteen distinct community programs are housed in the Center, including child and adult day care, senior gardens, classrooms, a family drop-in center, counseling offices, and a chef training facility.

Awards

2005 Award for Architectural Excellence, 3rd Place, Richard H. Driehaus Foundation
2004 Citation of Merit, Distinguished Building, AIA Chicago
2004 Best Of Institutional Award, Midwest Construction Magazine