23 Oct 2024
The Brighton Park Neighborhood Network (BPNN) has been a beacon of hope and support for the Brighton Park neighbourhood in Chicago since 1997. For more than two decades, BPNN has worked tirelessly to uplift the predominantly Latino, low-income community on the city’s southwest side. JGMA is deeply honoured to join forces with BPNN in creating their new headquarters and community centre—a project that not only marks a significant milestone in BPNN’s journey but also represents a heartfelt promise to continue championing positive change for this vibrant and historically underserved neighbourhood.
This new headquarters is much more than a structure; it’s a tangible representation of BPNN’s dedication and a symbol of the community’s resilience and spirit. Nestled on Archer Avenue—a historically significant retail corridor—the design reflects the cultural vibrancy and dynamic energy of the street and its Latino residents. The design was approached with an empathetic lens, creating a welcoming and inclusive space that truly belongs to the community it serves.
The expansive façade along Archer Avenue, with its generous use of glass, invites the community to look inside and engage with the activities taking place. This openness is a deliberate choice, reflecting BPNN’s mission to be an accessible and integral part of everyday life in the neighbourhood. Inside, the first floor is crafted for gatherings and events, featuring a ceiling that showcases local artists’ work, celebrating the rich artistic talent within the community.
The colour scheme, inspired by BPNN’s brand, spans the concrete panels of the northeastern and southwestern façades, transitioning from warm orange to cool blue. This vibrant gradient culminates in a community-created mural along Archer Avenue that wraps around and inside the building, forming a part of the ceiling above the community room. This mural not only honours the artistic spirit of the neighbourhood but also creates a continuous dialogue between the building and its surroundings.
Inside, the design promotes a seamless flow between multifunctional spaces, supporting a wide range of activities and interactions. The second and third floors are thoughtfully arranged with a balance of private offices, open-plan areas, and meeting spaces to cater to both BPNN’s operations and the needs of the community. A small green roof and terrace on the upper level offer a peaceful retreat for staff, providing a space for reflection and a connection with the natural world.
This building, thoughtfully designed with empathy and care, stands as a tribute to BPNN’s enduring commitment to the community. It is intended to inspire, connect, and resonate with the heart and soul of Brighton Park, embodying the values and aspirations of the people it serves and reflecting the true spirit of the neighbourhood.
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About JGMA
JGMA is a progressive architecture and design practice committed to active community involvement and the enrichment of peoples’ lives through the attentive and dynamic organization of space and materiality. The firm understands that quality design has a unique ability to influence civic life and transform communities.
JGMA proudly consider themselves innovators in the field of architecture, and the firm is dedicated to formulating consistently unique solutions to every design opportunity. Their work is conceptually driven but exhibits the highest level of quality at every stage of design, construction, and occupancy.
JGMA is led by the firm’s president, Juan Gabriel Moreno, and is supported by a talented team of experienced architectural professionals. While cultivating the aforementioned ideals, and after struggling with other firms to realize them, Mr. Moreno was compelled to strike out on his own to pursue them. Founded in 2010, JGMA was built on a groundwork that champions comprehensive investment in ideas and ideals.
