Ford Calumet Environmental Center

EDI provided Site/Civil Engineering Services for the proposed Ford Calumet Environmental Center (FCEC). This educational facility is slated for construction adjacent to the Little Calumet River in the Hegewisch Marsh Area on Chicago's Far South Side. This project is pursuing LEED^® Platinum Certification.

EDI was responsible for developing constructible design plans that provided a well-engineered site development to compliment this rare and environmentally sensitive area. EDI designed a permeable pavement system that provided in-ground detention exceeding the minimum 10-year storm event. All earthwork will be balanced on-site to minimize the environmental impacts caused by transporting material.

EDI engineers designed a revolutionary "Earth Tube" system that will enhance the heating and cooling of this facility. A series of 24-inch concrete tubes located 10 feet below grade, and having a total length of 1,500 feet, will constantly integrate air through the HVAC System. Ground at this depth stays at a fairly stable temperature of 55º F. During warm weather the adjacent ground cools the air within the "Earth Tubes" to supplement the air conditioning system. Conversely, during cold weather the adjacent ground warms this same air to supplement the heating of this facility. EDI was instrumental in designing a system that benefits the users of this educational facility and reduces the environmental impact to the adjacent community.

Architect of Record Studio Gang Architects' sustainable design will use salvaged steel from the Calumet industrial region and other discarded materials. Skylights above the structure will light the interior of the Center and discarded slag (a steel industry waste product) will be re-used as fill, paving, and flooring. Waste water will be treated in a vertical flow constructed wetland near the entry of the building.