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.

studio gang completes WMS boathouse at clark park, chicago
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.

studio gang completes WMS boathouse at clark park, chicago
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.

studio gang completes WMS boathouse at clark park, chicago
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.

studio gang completes WMS boathouse at clark park, chicago
the architectural language of the scheme translates the poetic rhythm of rowing

studio gang completes WMS boathouse at clark park, chicago
natural daylight fills the upper level of the boathouse

studio gang completes WMS boathouse at clark park, chicago
a close relationship with the waterfront is maintained throughout the design

studio gang completes WMS boathouse at clark park, chicago
inside, the project features state of the art training facilities

studio gang completes WMS boathouse at clark park, chicago
the boathouse gently illuminated at dusk

 

 

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studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 
studio gang WMS boathouse at clark park designboom
 

 

 

project info:

 

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

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