Cut and Paste A boat house and park
Instructor: Catherine Wetzel
The Chicago River and Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal are constructed waterways. For almost the past 200 years the waterways of Chicago have been in a state of revision. The channels have been deepened and widened, and even moved; and most famously the flow of water has been reversed. This constant state of flux is the impetus for an improvement at the junction of the river and canal.
Through the implementation of a newly constructed edge, a boat house for kayaks and a new park strengthen the relationship between the water and a neighborhood marginalized by infrastructure and industry.
The existing contour is cut out and a longer one pasted in. The increased length results in a series of slips that allow for kayaks to explore native wetland flora and fauna.
The existing contour is cut out and a longer one pasted in. The increased length results in a series of slips that allow for kayaks to explore native wetland flora and fauna.
The transition from water to neighborhood occurs in three zones: (1) a wetscape featuring kayaking, a boardwalk, birding and fishing, (2) a softscape with shade trees, playing fields, playgrounds and pavilions for picnics and barbecues, and (3) a hardscape housing tennis and basketball courts, a skate park and parking.
