Motivated by the challenge to create a state-of-the-art biomedical research facility while simultaneously preserving Chicago’s architectural legacy, Studio Gang devised the Stack Solution Tower: a concept that demonstrates how Bertrand Goldberg’s Prentice Women’s Hospital could be reused by building on top of it.

Goldberg’s iconic cloverleaf structure is adapted to house ancillary functions for a new, 31-story research tower that emerges above it. This 600,000 sf building is supported by a newly-constructed, independent core that extends through the center of the cloverleaf. Outdoor roof gardens provide breakout space where researchers, students, patients, and others can socialize and relax. Both practical and visually striking, the resulting “stacked” structure makes a bold statement about Chicago’s evolving tradition of architectural innovation.

Studio Gang’s concept is currently on display along with the winners of the Chicago Architectural Club’s “Future Prentice” Competition and 10 solicited proposals as part of the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Reconsidering an Icon exhibition.