University of Idaho - I Banner
A student works at a computer

SlateConnect

U of I's web-based retention and advising tool provides an efficient way to guide and support students on their road to graduation. Login to SlateConnect.

Moscow Chamber of Commerce

Moscow, Idaho


The Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, located in the heart of the city’s historic downtown, plays a vital role in bringing commerce and community together. Unfortunately, the organization’s existing building was not effectively facilitating this role. Instead it was a mishmash of past uses, dating back to the 1920s, ranging from a utility company, to private offices, to a bank. The studio partnered with the Chamber to renovate the 3,150sf building. The renovated facility better aligns visitor and staff experience with the organization’s core mission.

Each aspect of the design was viewed as an opportunity to connect building to place. This was accomplished by mapping material histories, phenomenological qualities, and cultural iconography onto specific project needs. Students investigated the incorporation of multiple streams of waste material from sources of local cultural significance. The design focused on surgical interventions during the demolition process; moving and reusing existing building elements. The project also recalls Moscow’s well-regarded history of brick making through the development of a mortar-less compressed earth block partition wall system that challenges conventional office wall assemblies.

Through research, collaborative discussions, experimentation, prototyping, and construction students were able to provide a flexible and adaptable home for the Chamber. Integrating project responsive applied research and regenerative approaches resets the boundary for both students and the community of what architecture can be - both as a process and an outcome.

Ezrie Anderson
David Asokeji
Carson Conery
Asia Davis
Bethany Frey
Litzy Gomez
John Gross
Karl Hunt
Chloe Macon
Anneke Mulder
Syringa Riley
Garrett Schwalber
Madeline Smith
Kelsey Starman
Taylor Watson
Matt Weigand
*Brittney Ellenbecker
*Riley Leighton
**Scott Lawrence

* Teaching Assistant
** Instructor

Locations

Architecture Program

Mailing Address:
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2451 Moscow, ID 83844-2451
Email: arch@uidaho.edu 

Phone: 208-885-4409

Fax: 208-885-9428

Urban Design Center

Mailing Address:
322 E. Front Street
Suite 390
Boise, ID 83702
arch@uidaho.edu

Phone: 208-885-6781

Urban Design Center