RIVER EAST ART CENTER
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 2003

River East Art Center comprises a synergistic mix of artists studios, galleries, support facilities, and high end retail located in a former warehouse located on Ogden Slip just west of Navy Pier in downtown Chicago. The center fills a void in Chicago's creative community that has existed for decades.

The Illinois Street level is comprised of gallery spaces and high end retail that encircles a two story atrium. In the evening, the atrium will host numerous performances and exhibitions, while serving as a cafe during the day. Gallery walks emanate from the central atrium.

Located overlooking the docks at the slip level, artist studios are arranged to maximize their exposure to daylight while maintaining flexible open plans. Partitioned with alternating storage walls and pin up walls, each studio can be subsequently subdivided into exhibit and work areas according to the artists own requirements. Common support areas such as janitorial rooms, business center, and storage are centrally located.

Main Entry

A view of the main entry with an uplit projecting canopy and banners aloft. A sculpture walk will be located on both the entry side and the dock side of the building.

Atrium View

Large lighting sculptures fill the atrium, illuminating the activities below. Theatrical drapes encircle the upper level.

Gallery Walk

A view of the street level walk through the row of galleries. Uplighting creates a glow on the timber ceilings. A view of the atrium is in the distance.

Studio from Overhead

A view showing the subdivision of the studios with brightly hued storage walls and slender pin up surfaces. Each artist can further divide the studio into work zones and exhibit zones.

Studio Entry

Each studio front is comprised of an oversized pivot door and a fixed glass window. Personalized by each artist, the pivot doors serve as identity pieces regardless if the studio is open or closed.

Slip Level Plan

Partial plan of the slip level. The artists studios are colored in the peach tone.

Looking to South

Looking toward the docks to the south, this view illustrates lateral translucent walls that could be used to subdivide work and exhibit areas in the studios.

Looking North

This rendering captures the view toward the entry from the interior of the studio. Pin up walls are shown to the right.

View toward Entry

With the entry pivot door swung open, this view illustrates the intermittent storage walls that can be used to store supplies or exhibit art work.