Pierscape, by James Corner Field Operations and NArchitects review

 

Chicago Navy piers, USA

Pierscape is a 1 km long project designed by Field Operations and Narchitects for Chicago Navy Pier. This piece of design is one of the largest public piers in the world, created with the intent of re-developing a historical  part of the site that exists since 1916, to a vibrant and recreational public space.

The projects includes a wave wall with grand stairs inspired by the spanish stairs in Rome, connecting to the south Docks. The site doesn't just provide views and an attractive landscape architecture, but also 400 retail spaces, lake pavillions, and info tower and a variety of cultural events throughout the year. 

This project is great key study for designing the riverside at Blackfriars. The design inspired me to convert the space and transform it, making the most out of its potential by including seating areas and other services and most importantly cultural events, as it is an important requirement for the brief.

Enhancement for the site included traffic crossing, which is also an important aspect for the Blackfriars riverside in terms of how to reduce traffic flow, proposing a new system for the main road.