Navy Pier

For Chicago’s historic Navy Pier, Field Operations has designed a contemporary “Pierscape” that will renew the popular destination’s experience and connection to Lake Michigan. Re-imagined as a green spine that extends from the lake 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, Pier Park, East End Park, and Crystal Garden 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. PHASE 1 NARRATIVE: Chicago’s Navy Pier is the great “people’s pier” envisioned as part of Daniel Burnham’s 1909 plan for how Chicago met the lakefront. Historically the Pier has undergone various transformations, from the original “people’s pier,” to the Base of Naval Operations in the 1930’s, a University in the 1940’s, a period of neglect and then a tourism-motivated Festival Pier in the 1990’s. 2016 marks the Pier’s centennial anniversary and the completion of a first-phase transformation of Navy Pier into the “people’s pier” once again. Working with James Corner Field Operations, Navy Pier Incorporated has lead the development of a new design that reimagines South Dock as a new green spine that extends all the way from Lake Michigan back into the city and anchors a series of plazas, museums, theaters, restaurants, and other destinations that exemplify the vitality of Chicago life and culture. James Corner Field Operations is the lead designer for all aspects of the project including a dramatic new water feature, site furniture, stages and pocket parks, planting, overlooks, and the overall master plan. James Corner Field Operations’ approach for the redesign deployed 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. Phase 1 celebrates the following achievements:  Polk Brothers Park establishes strong connections between the Pier and the City. New crossings and reconfigured traffic patterns assure a safer and more welcome arrival for pedestrians and cyclists visiting the Pier.  The Polk Brothers Park Fountain Plaza features a dramatic water fountain with a complex geometry of dynamic water jets. In winter, this area transforms to a skating rink.  Architectural lighting of the historic Headhouse façade brings new attention to this important existing Chicago Landmark.  An interior South Arcade hosts new Chicago food venues, spaces for community meeting and gathering.