New Rubenstein Forum at University of Chicago Open for Booking
Modern 70,000-square-foot meeting facility aims for LEED Gold, follows CDC safety guidelines
The David Rubenstein Forum, a new conference center on the University of Chicago campus, is open for booking. Benchmark Global Hospitality is managing the facility.
The contemporary, 10-story building was designed for LEED Gold certification by New York-based architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Sustainable features include limited hardscape, sustainable materials used in finishes and the building’s location near public transportation.
In addition, the Forum follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safety guidelines, as well state, city and university protocols, in its operations. For example, it features touchless hand sanitizing stations and social distancing markings throughout, according to a Benchmark handbook for the Forum.
Among other protocols, high-touch surfaces are sanitized frequently, and employees undergo extensive training and follow strict guidelines to avoid the possible spread of pathogens.
The building is combines a 10-story tower atop a two-story base, with glass walls that let in natural light and provide views of the campus, the city skyline, Lake Michigan and Chicago’s Midway Plaisance. The tower is designed as a stack of “neighborhoods,” each with a central lounge.
Among the Forum’s approximately 70,000 square feet of usable interior space are an auditorium with adjacent pre-function space, a top-floor function room with panoramic views, a divisible ballroom and a variety of meeting and smaller breakout rooms.
