Focused on embodying place-based purpose, Farm Foundation partnered with Kahler Slater to design the Chicago region's first integrated food and agriculture campus, anchored by the Innovation and Education Center. The unique center will establish a centrally located space for innovators in the food and agriculture industries from across the country to work together and build a future for farmers, communities, and the world.
Designed for flexibility, adaptability, and holistic longevity, the center connects Farm Foundation's rich history and future goals. The center will celebrate the Farm Foundation story, impact, and vision for the future by providing support for community engagement, connecting food and agriculture, accelerating learning, engaging in-person and digitally, and providing transformative experiences.
The Innovation and Education Center will stay in connection with the campus’ landscape and historic barn structure, maintaining the vernacular element of the peaked roof and leveraging clear glass to amplify transparency and connection. Large glass windows and high vaulted ceilings were selected to enhance the visitor experience in the space and minimize their overall footprint on the site.
