University of Chicago SSA

Programming & Planning Study

Farr Associates worked with the University of Chicago Facilities, Office of the Provost, and the School of Social Service Administration (SSA) to identify the most aspirational and efficient approach to plan for SSA’s long-term mission and goals.

The process included extensive research and data collection about prior, existing, and future student body groups. It also involved examining all of SSA’s square footage to identify where additional space is needed and where program organization could be more efficient. This work included a robust outreach effort for input from students, faculty, administrators, and alumni.

The seven-month programming and planning study produced a comprehensive report that equipped SSA with data for precise decision-making and selection of smaller phased renovation projects to pursue, including concepts for the future renovation of SSA’s main facility—a historic 1965 Mies van der Rohe building.