Duo Development’s Starling
2025 Driehaus Award, Second Place
Canopy / architecture + design for Duo Development
3243 West 16th Street, Chicago
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Starling is a state-of-the-art community hub in North Lawndale designed to foster creativity, connection, and liberation. The building features a café, flexible gathering spaces, terraces, and a sound studio. The hub’s layout and terraces create visual and physical connections to the streetscape, fostering a sense of openness and safety. Architectural elements, like retractable facades and large terraces, encourage year-round community gatherings, reflecting the area’s resilience and need for adaptable spaces. Starling’s thoughtful design transforms a long-vacant lot into a space of opportunity, drawing foot traffic and fostering pride among residents. By embedding cultural and creative programming within the architecture, Starling strengthens North Lawndale’s identity as a vibrant and connected community.