AECOM Architectural Designer Michelle Binet is part of a design team that transformed Chicago's McCormick Place into a medical facility to treat COVID-19 patients.
In just two weeks, hundreds of workers converted McCormick Place from a convention center to a medical facility with 2,250 rooms to treat COVID-19 patients. College of DuPage Architecture alumna Michelle Binet had the unique experience of working on the design team as an architectural designer at AECOM where she works full-time.
"It has been incredibly rewarding to see a project come to fruition this quickly with the help of so many hardworking and passionate people.” Michelle Binet, Architectural Designer, AECOM, Chicago, IL
“My team and I, along with hundreds of others, including the Illinois National Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers, worked non-stop trying to get everything designed and constructed before the first wave of patients arrived,” Binet reports. “I’ve never worked on a project quite like this. It has been incredibly rewarding to see a project come to fruition this quickly with the help of so many hardworking and passionate people.”
Binet’s main responsibilities included architectural drafting and design, code review, and managing accessibility requirements for different parts of the building, including entry and exit cleaning rooms, staff lounges, and medical locker rooms. In addition, she helped redesign meeting rooms to meet the needs of the support staff which include the mayor’s office and houses the facilities command centers.
With construction nearing completion, contracted medical personnel are already treating COVID-19 positive patients with low to moderate symptoms. By the end of April, 3,000 beds will be available to treat patients, as well as 500 negative pressure tents that bring in clean air and stop air inside the tent from escaping, Binet says.
By the end of April, 3,000 beds will be available to treat patients, as well as 500 negative pressure tents that bring in clean air and stop air inside the tent from escaping....
“Hopefully we won’t have to use all the beds and rooms available, but I’m glad to know we are helping patients who may need support,” the College of DuPage (COD) Architecture program alum says. “Let’s all do our part in flattening the curve and reduce burden on the local healthcare systems.”
COD Architecture Professor Mark Pearson was impressed with Binet’s skills in the program and enjoys following her professional endeavors.
“We are very extremely proud of our Architecture alumni, like Michelle, who are using their professional expertise to make a difference in our communities and helping to support our healthcare system during this global crisis,” Pearson says.
