Crossing Paths: The MTCC Competition, 20 Years Hence

In 1997, the Illinois Institute of Technology announced an international design competition for the construction of the first new building on campus since 1971. The University hosted an international design competition, with finalists including Peter Eisenman, Helmut Jahn, Zaha Hadid, Kazuyo Sejima, and the Office of Metropolitan Architecture. Rem Koolhaas’ program for uniting academic and residential zones while incorporating Mies van der Rohe’s 1953 Commons Building received top honors. The MTCC, completed in 2003, was Koolhaas’ first built work in the United States. Since its inception, the building has elicited fervent discourse and debate surrounding its approaches to preservation, engineering, and city/campus integration.

In honor of the MTCC Competition’s 20th anniversary, the Graham Resource Center will show its newly restored OMA presentation model, alongside documents, blueprints, video footage of all entries' presentations, and ephemera.

Opening Reception: Friday, October 27th, 6:00PM