University of Wisconsin-Madison Chemistry Tower Wins IIDA Award

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Chemistry Tower received a First Place Design Award from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) PA|NJ|DE Chapter. Held June 21 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre in Philadelphia, the IIDA Design Awards celebrate design excellence and exceptional projects from firms in the region. The Chemistry Tower was recognized in the category of Best of Education/Institution over 30,000 SF.

The building’s interior design strategy pairs the natural characteristics of the building structure with the purity of colors found in chemical reactions including flame tests, which reveal the blazing colors of chemical compounds over a Bunsen burner. The resulting system of colors reinforce the university brand and bring meaning to a selective set of accent colors that codify the building’s program: bold red (commons), vibrant green (teaching and research), and vivid blue (support).  These pure colors are juxtaposed against the natural variations of concrete, literally and figuratively connecting levels and programs through the continuity of architectural elements and the rigor of their application.