Performance Lawns at Navy Pier

Location
Chicago, Illinois

Owner
Navy Pier

Team
AV - Threshold
Landscape Architect - James Corner Field Operations
Architect - LCM Architects

Size
24,757 square feet

Schedule
Completed 2018

Field Operations designed a contemporary “pierscape” to 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 Performance Lawns, located to the south of the main entrance to Navy Pier, are part of an ongoing revitalization effort for one of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations. The Lake Stage accommodates up to 1,700 guests while the City Stage features stepped seating that accommodates up to 700 guests. The primary focus for these new venues will be to host local artists or those with a connection to the Chicagoland area, but national acts are also anticipated to round out the programming. The new Polk Brothers Park 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.

The urban location is in close proximity to neighboring residential and commercial areas. The audio systems for the stages were carefully designed to minimize spill towards nearby residential high-rise buildings, aided by berms designed into the landscaping to provide acoustic shielding around the sites.