GRANDstand
Chestnut
c
b
a
Elizabeth
Noble
views
a court
Chicago
b field
BLEACHERS
The GRANDstand takes the ubiquitous neighborhood park structure of "spectator bleachers" and reinvents them in a sculptural and iconic way. Stunningly absent from Eckhart Park, a new seating apparatus will provide a functional and beautiful amenity to the park. Three main stands are oriented around the most important activities of the park and provide ample areas to sit, to watch, or to relax. During times of inclement weather, the GRANDstand can also function as a pavilion and place of refuge.
GRANDstand
01
CONCEPT
GRADIENT
The rotated plank construction creates a dynamic visual display that alternates between transparent and opaque from the base to the top respectively. This supplies the required visual surveillance at eye level; provides shelter at the edges; and allows the sun’s rays to filter through the apex.
view from chicago and noble
c field
structure
bleachers
MATERIALS
Designed with constructability in mind, the GRANDstand utilizes parametric inputs and permutations to streamline the design, documentation, and build processes. The main supports are made from tubular steel. The bleachers will be made from a stock material, greatly reducing material costs and build time. The underside of the planks will have a contrasting material finish. Finally, the name of the donors will be displayed on the underside of the planks. An option to provide differing levels of material finish to correspond with levels of donation has also been considered.
finish
donors jasonCHERNAK + wadeSPLINTER
02
TECHNICAL
section