The Canopy

Teammate: Molly Gildar

Site

The Canopy is located along one of the most popular areas of the 18 mile Lake Shore Trail, used daily by thousands of people. The Lake Shore Trail exists on the principle of keeping the area public and open to all. The importance of access to all was kept in mind throughout the entirety of this project.

The design of The Canopy starts by lifting the site and sweeping the architecture underneath. The lifting of the site was intentional to preserve the original use of the site. The site is one of the few grassy areas located along the lakefront trail and it was observed that it is an area used for various recreational activities and as a gathering place.

Concept

Our concept of The Canopy places an emphasis on merging landscape and hardscape while working with the flow of the existing trails. We created a system that can change overtime and that provides opportunities for use without suggesting too strictly as to what they are. The design accomplishes this by lifting and peeling the canopy on opposite sides to create an extension of the trail. Additionally, we replicate the scenic ledge along the water to a higher elevation. The Canopy fosters a separate yet complimentary balance with the architecture underneath, through the use of two different languages. The canopy is curvilinear with the site, while the architecture and interior is angular.

Building Design

There are three main entrances into the building; one which flows right into the aquatic center, one that accesses the second level fitness center, and the last that directs you through the building or towards the main locker rooms.

The aquatic center consists of a main pool, lap pool, therapy pool, private pool and hot tub. We approached some of the changing rooms, lockers, seating and storage with the concept of confetti, maintaining the angular architectural language through their shapes. The second level is home to a fitness area with a walking path and event space. This level overlooks the first level pools as well as interactive balconies. The third level consists of a yoga studio which is connected to the pools through an overlook. Finally, detached from the main building is the cafe featuring a built-in Divvy station.