CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
For Chicago’s historic Navy Pier, Field Operations has designed a contemporary “pierscape” that will renew the popular destination’s experience and connection to the water. Re-imagined as a green spine that extends from Lake Michigan back into the city, the Pier's South Dock anchors a series of thematic rooms filled with engaging social spaces, contemporary architecture, stunning water features, atmospheric lighting, amusements, and seasonal plantings. The new South Dock and adjoining Polk Brothers Park, as well as the upcoming East End Park, Crystal Garden and other public spaces, will make Navy Pier not only a world-class icon, but also a center of activity and culture that is reflective of an authentic, contemporary Chicago identity.
Field Operations’ approach for the redesign deploys a three-part strategy of: 1) strengthening connections between the city and lake; 2) refreshing and decluttering the pier to make way for new green infrastructure; and 3) embracing Chicago, its culture and character to create a place that is reflective of the city’s identity.
Navy Pier Phase 1, comprised of South Dock and Polk Bros. Fountain, opened in May 2016 and is the first project to achieve Gold certification under the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES) v2 rating system.
Photography by Sahar Coston-Hardy and Navy Pier Inc.