Throwback to 2004! If you've been to Chicago's Millennium Park, you've probably seen the Pritzker Pavilion, that eye-catching outdoor concert venue with the swirly metal designs. We had the good fortune to work on this project from start to finish, and we thought you might like to hear about some of the puzzles we solved along the way.
Jody Kovalick, one of our Theatre Planners who worked on the project, shares his insights.
"Working on Millennium Park was like bringing a colossal piece of theatrical scenery to life. The challenges we faced were as unique as the structure itself."
"You know how the pavilion looks so sleek? Well, we had to figure out how to get power and data to all the lights and speakers without anyone seeing the wires. Let's just say we got creative with some really big conduits."
Ever noticed that booth in the middle of the seating? Jody explains, "We needed a place for the sound and lighting technicians and equipment to be protected from rain and sun. A temporary, “roll away” solution was not an option. So, we worked with Gehry Partners to basically design a pop-up camper for technicians. It's small when closed but opens up when it's showtime."
Integrating the Pritzker Pavilion with the adjacent Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance was no small feat. "It was like playing Tetris with buildings," Jody recalls. Our team masterfully navigated the complexities of connecting services and access points while maintaining the integrity of both spaces.
The Pritzker Pavilion isn't just a structure – it's a living, breathing testament to the power of collaborative design. Whether you're a music enthusiast, an architecture buff, or simply looking for a unique Chicago experience, this architectural symphony is sure to strike a chord.
Gehry Partners, LLP
Rick Talaske
📷: Rick Talaske, Hedrich Blessing Photographers, Patrick Pryszka
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