Northwestern University — Foster-Walker Complex

About Northwestern University

Foster-Walker Complex, affectionately known as Plex to students, is the only campus residence that includes a package center, c-store, and a dining commons — two, in fact.

Foster-Walker is a popular choice among students both for the services available and for the abundance of single rooms, which offer students a private space while also building community via the many lounges scattered throughout the building, including a massive basement lounge with game tables.

The solar control challenge

Northwestern staff required a solar control solution to refresh the dated 1" mini blinds throughout the building's four wings and common areas to better serve light control for the residents.

With privacy being a major concern, Northwestern staff conducted a multi-month mock simulation of the different fabrics in order to zero in on the best choice for their challenge.

The solution

Over 750 SmoothMove® Manual Roller Shades by IWS were installed.

Northwestern University specified SmoothMove® Manual Roller Shades fitted with 2×2 Basketweave traditional fabric in a 1% openness for privacy, which allows students and staff to enjoy the light blocking benefits inherent in light-colored fabrics but avoid the heat transmission issues that are typical with dark fabrics.

Results

The building's four wings and common areas now have consistent, durable light control suited to a high-traffic student residence.