Ribbon Cutting for 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial

The “St. Charles Raceway” pays homage to the past while looking toward a recreational future. A network of pivoting bridges that float along the South Branch, this stretch of river becomes a stadium for boating and swim races. Photo courtesy of Ross Barney Architects.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel will officiate the press conference at the exclusive opening and preview of the River Edge Ideas Lab Exhibition September 14th at 11:45AM at 72 East Randolph, Chicago, IL. The exhibition, which showcases the conceptual thinking of nine architecture firms, was designed and curated by Ross Barney Architects in collaboration with the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development and the Metropolitan Planning Council.

The River Edge Ideas Lab presented the nine firms with a unique challenge and exciting opportunity to design public spaces along the Chicago riverfront at three iconic sites, including the Civic Opera Edge, Congress Parkway Edge, and Air Line Bridge Edge. These designs will serve as inspiration for the future of our riverfronts as the City considers how to provide inviting and active public spaces along Chicago’s rivers, the city’s second coast.

The participating firms, with experience designing award-winning riverfronts, parks, and public spaces, including the River Edge Ideas Lab, are Ross Barney Architects, Adjaye Associates, James Corner Field Operations, Perkins + Will, Sasaki, Site, SOM, Studio Gang, and SWA.

The exhibition designed by Ross Barney Architects will run in conjunction with the Chicago Architecture Biennial, September 16, 2017 – January 7, 2018. A traveling exhibit will also be displayed at locations throughout the city in addition to a digital catalog at chiriverlab.com.

The Ideas Lab is a continuation of celebrated river-centric works by Ross Barney Architects, including the Chicago Riverwalk, Our Great Rivers; a vision for 156 miles of Chicago’s riverfront, and Ass(et) Creek; a design proposal exhibited at 50 Designers, 50 Ideas, 50 Wards.

Carol Ross Barney, Founder and President of Ross Barney Architects, is available for interviews during the event and the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial. Ross Barney will receive the Chicago AIA Lifetime Achievement Award on October 13 at Designight 2017, the premier awards night celebrating Chicago’s architectural community.

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