studio gang completes WMS boathouse at clark park, chicago

studio gang completes WMS boathouse at clark park, chicago
all images courtesy of studio gang architects

studio gang architects has announced the completion of ‘WMS boathouse at clark park’, a modern facility located on the banks of the chicago river. the scheme has been developed to catalyze the area, creating key public access routes along the water’s edge, and providing jobs for local workers. the project used funds from the EPA (environmental protection agency), in order to transform the once neglected and polluted river into a vibrant civic area of recreation and relaxation.

the scheme has been developed to catalyze the area

the architectural language of the scheme translates the poetic rhythm of rowing, while also offering spatial and environmental advantages – allowing the design to adapt to the city’s seasonal variations. the roof lets in southern light through the building’s upper clerestory, warming the structure’s floor slab in winter and providing ventilation during summer months.

the once neglected area has been transformed into a vibrant civic area of recreation and relaxation

the complex comprises a two-storey mechanically heated and cooled training center, a one-storey boat storage facility and a floating launch dock. the main building houses row tanks, ergometer machines, communal space, as well as an office for the chicago park district.

the scheme creates key public access routes along the water’s edge

the site is currently home to the chicago rowing foundation who offer a wide range of activities to the city’s population. located further downstream, a second boathouse, also designed by studio gang, is set to be completed by 2015.

for designboom’s previous coverage of the ‘WMS boathouse’ project, see here.

the architectural language of the scheme translates the poetic rhythm of rowing

natural daylight fills the upper level of the boathouse

a close relationship with the waterfront is maintained throughout the design

inside, the project features state of the art training facilities

the boathouse gently illuminated at dusk

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project info:

location: chicago, USA
architect: studio gang architects
owner: chicago park district
status: completed 2013
LEED rating: targeted silver

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