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James Corner Field Operations Wins Competition To Redesign Chicago’s Navy Pier
Posted By
Mark Boyer
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Architecture,Design,Landscape Architecture |
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In addition to the large swimming pool, which will be converted into an ice skating rink in the winter, Corner’s plan calls for constructing a dramatic seating area on the east end of the pier overlooking Lake Michigan, and for building “a surreal and overscale series of birdhouses and nesting sites.” The winning bid was one of 52 entrants in the high-profile design competition, and it beat out four other finalists that included AECOM/BIG, Aedas Architects, and others. Navy Pier officials have stated their wishes to have many of the changes completed in time for the pier’s centennial in 2016.
Corner’s plan for revamping Navy Pier is somewhat understated compared to the proposals presented by some of the other finalists, which included criss-crossing boardwalks, an enormous glacier, sledding hills, and vertical vegetable gardens. Budgetary constraints likely figured into the decision to select the Corner team, which promised that its proposal could be completed for less than the $85 million budget. “They dreamed big, but they were able to do it in a way we could pay for it,” Sarah Garvey, chairwoman of Navy Pier, Inc., told the .
+ Navy Pier Centennial Vision
+ James Corner Field Operations
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The committee presiding over Chicago’s Navy Pier has unanimously selected a team headlined by James Corner Field Operations — the landscape architecture firm that designed New York City’s High Line — to redesign the iconic Chicago tourist attraction.
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The Steps, located on the east end of the pier, will provide a meeting place and an elevated area from which to take in views of Lake Michigan.
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The Lake Pavilions will house water-related activities, including boat ticket kiosks and shaded areas for boat queuing.
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Undulating steps will provide a new social area while offering direct access between two pedestrian levels
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NYC-based L’Observatoire International, which designed the lighting for New York’s High Line, will be in charge of lighting at Navy Pier.
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The iconic Ferris wheel at Navy Pier will be outfitted with green pod-like cars.
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An aerial view from the east end of Navy Pier shows the The Lake Room and the proposed swimming pool.
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A large interactive fountain will be added near the entrance to Navy Pier.
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James Corner Field Operations will be charged with revamping Navy Pier’s public spaces, including Gateway Park, the Crystal Garden, Pier Park, and East End Park.
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The James Corner team plans to install dramatic hanging gardens inside the Crystal Gardens pavilion at Navy Pier.
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In addition to a sandy beach, new seating will be added alongside the proposed swimming pool on the southeast corner of the pier.
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The winning bid was one of 52 entrants in the high-profile design competition, and it beat out four other finalists that included AECOM/BIG, !melk/HOK/Urban Lab, and others.
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Corner’s plan for Navy Pier also calls for developing a raised park around the existing Ferris wheel.
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Navy Pier officials have stated their wishes to have many of the changes completed in time for the pier’s centennial in 2016.