ross barney architects' cermak-mccormick place station in chicago

the ‘cermak – mccormick place station’ is located adjacent to the united states’ largest convention center, mccormick place, in a growing district of chicago along the L’s green line. without a station since 1978, the currently redeveloping urban area was in need of a stop as soon as possible, in order to respond to anticipated growth in both population and usage. local firm, ross barney architects, was tasked with the project under the authority of the city of chicago’s department of transportation. 

two blocks from mccormick place, the station acts as a beacon in the redeveloping district 
all images courtesy of ross barney architects

the firm’s result is derived from creatively working within the design brief’s strict constraints. the station needed to be built quickly with a small budget, couldn’t suspend service along the line, and needed to be constructed of low-maintenance, durable materials. existing tracks could not be moved, nor platforms extended, due to the narrow chicago transit authority right-of-way. the client, CCDT, also required a ‘gateway’ that would serve a growing number of first-time visitors to the city’s public transport. 

easy access to other forms of transportation are available and encouraged

the space directly above cermak road provides the widest section of the site, allowing views to chinatown, the convention center, and the loop — central business district. here, is the chosen center of the perforated stainless steel and polycarbonate tube structure. the shape allows protection from notorious windy city weather, while simultaneously removing support beams from the platform area to increase usable space. materials and surfaces that would quickly become doused in layers of graffiti are located out of reach, and also give the station a distinct identity that’s easy to see from a distance. glass, polycarbonate, and perforated metal maximize outside visibility and natural lighting. for ease of maintenance and durability, glazed masonry and granite are used for interior walls and floors. 

‘cermak–mccormick place’ threads itself into the existing, restrictive track structure

the main station entry is marked by a stainless steel canopy

the tube is made of stainless steel perforated shingles that allows air flow but reduce exposure

the shape keeps the platform virtually free of obstructions

a translucent polycarbonate roof provides light to the interior 

the station is accessed via three entrances on the north and south sides of cermak road

interior 

updated columns are placed beneath the structure 

‘cermak – mccormick place station’, day and night 

designboom has received this project through its ‘DIY submissions’ feature, which welcomes readers to submit their own work for publication. see more designboom readers submissions here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom

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