News imageImage (c) JCFO
(News) The Navy Pier Inc. (NPI) Board in Chicago, USA, announced that design firm James Corner Field Operations (JCFO) has been selected to help reimagine Navy Pier’s public spaces, an effort designated as “Pierscape.” The decision was made at a special public meeting of the NPI board, confirming the recommendation by the Board’s Strategic Planning Committee. Corner and his team were among the five finalists in Navy Pier’s search for a Pierscape design team that began six-months ago with 52 submissions from around the globe to redesign the Pier’s public spaces. 

The Pierscape portion of the Centennial Vision plan calls for reimagining the Pier’s public spaces including Gateway Park at the west entrance of the Pier, Crystal Garden, Pier Park, East End Park, the South Dock as well as the smaller public spaces that dot the length of the Pier. This work will include enhancements to the Pier’s landscaping and streetscape along with the addition of water features, public art and lighting. 

The next step in the process will be for Navy Pier and JCFO to begin putting more definition around the project. The Board emphasized that JCFO’s vision will inform and guide the Pierscape redesign, but were quick to point out that the final design will reflect other factors including practicality, functionality, collaboration with the NPI board, and available capital.

“This was not an easy decision. But we are confident that by selecting James Corner and his team, we have selected the design team who best represents the goals set forth in the Centennial Vision and will transform Navy Pier into a truly unique destination,” said Sarah Garvey, chair of the NPI board. 

The Pierscape redevelopment project is an important component of the Centennial Vision, which seeks to make Navy Pier a truly iconic and world-class destination as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2016. The plan aims to broaden the Pier’s success as Illinois’ most popular tourist destination by maintaining its family appeal while drawing more adults and year-round visitors with more dining and entertainment options.