Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park

Igniting quantum computing at a first-of-its-kind microelectronics development on Lake Michigan.

Location

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Client

Related Midwest and Clayton Real Estate Group

Architect

Lamar Johnson Collaborative

Project Status

Ongoing

The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) on Chicago’s South Side signals a shift in the future of industry.

An infill site that formerly held the world’s largest steel foundry, this dynamic lakefront campus known as Quantum Shore, will soon offer a collective of advanced facilities designed to accelerate humanity’s computing capacity and provide new tools for global problem solving.

For the first phase, the client, Related Midwest and Clayton Real Estate Group, envisioned a connected campus with a quantum research center, offices, research labs and a shared cryogenic cooling facility devoted to this burgeoning technology.

The cryogenic cooling plant is key, as quantum computers only work at very cold temperatures. Quantum computing uses quantum bits, or “qubits,” to perform calculation and provide solutions much faster than traditional computer systems.

With no guidelines to follow for cryogenic facilities, the collaborative design and development team had to blaze new trails to create responsive buildings — all with an eye on the future of a field that operates at quantum speeds.

Our multidisciplinary engineering team is providing a wide range of services for the project, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing design; civil engineering; information technology integration; structural engineering; energy consulting and physical security.

Development size in acres

128

Building square feet

1M

Cryogenics are cool

One of the most unique aspects of the IQMP is the cryogenic cooling facility. This cryogenic plant operates like a large refrigerator, using electricity and producing heat as a byproduct, just like any typical refrigerator. But instead of traditional refrigerant, the facility is cooled with helium and nitrogen.

But these l gases require specialized equipment for delivery and storage, as the ultra-cold temperatures can cause the pipes to contract, creating a potential for leaks. Because of that risk, the conveyance pipes are vacuum-jacketed and contain internal bellows to combat leakage.

Integrated controls designed by our team allow the client to monitor this critical equipment, and a networked Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system gathers real-time operational data, such as helium levels, temperature, pressure and running time. The owner can then use this information for plant monitoring, control and decision-making.

Because cooling is so critical, our team specified backup electrical generators onsite in the event of a power loss to maintain essential services. During normal operations, however, there will be zero emissions at the site, supporting our client’s sustainability goals for development.

From steel to science

Site selection was a highly deliberate and strategic process, with two sites reviewed for suitability by our team. The decommissioned U.S. Steel South Works site was ultimately chosen because it offered space to grow with the quantum computing field, power and water availability, transit infrastructure, proximity to academic partners and access to a diverse workforce.

The South Works site is historically significant, having employed tens of thousands of locals and immigrants during its 100-year history. Ten percent of all the steel in the world was forged there, which was used to build rails, bridge spans and girders for skyscrapers, before the foundry closed in 1992.

The new quantum innovation campus occupies 128 acres on the southern part of the site and will serve as a flagship example for other next-generation computational developments. And it took a science-minded interdisciplinary team to achieve.

From mechanical and electrical engineers to cybersecurity professionals to structural and civil engineers to environmental experts, we functioned like a team of researchers working together to solve a problem and explore the best solution for a new type of project.

Forging the future

The IQMP is poised to spur significant local economic growth in the coming years by creating hundreds of jobs, both during construction and once the campus is operational. Visitors will flock to the new community amenities, such as the improved lakefront access and vibrant greenspace. Within the world of quantum computing and microelectronics, the park will also facilitate collaboration between private companies and universities and bring new suppliers to the area.

Further, the site lays a solid foundation for the future of quantum computing and for Chicago's South Side by creating infrastructure — and building systems within — that can expand and adapt with this new field of computing. The design team also explored a range of possible scenarios addressing climate, security, energy supply, mobility and data connectivity to keep the campus agile, balancing current needs with future opportunities for growth and impact.