Chicago Architecture Biennial Lakefront Kiosk Competition Honorable Mention

Project for a kiosk on the lakefront of Chicago.
Waterfronts are special places. A meeting point
between earth and sea, the horizon is exposed.
More than elsewhere the sky is present, it
illuminates and color permeates the place. The
project aims to exacerbate this feeling by framing
the views and accentuating the light of the
moment.
A translucent fabric filter diffuses the light, revealing
the average color of the sky. This veil delimits the
space and generates privacy. The fabric masks some
of the context to better reveal its brightness.
Inside a suspended fabric ring provides shade. The
center of the roof is open to expose the sky. All you
can see and connect with is the horizon and the sky.
The veil creates a sense of intimacy within the space
be it; market, cafe, cinema, or exhibition. The space
is versatile. A miniature piazza is created.
The kiosk is made of lightweight structure, steel
tube and fabric cable. The circular shape of the
building redirects and compensates easily for the
structural tensions. Many elements echoe the
waterfront. Sail, kite, nets, ropes.
Each event will be created by using specific
furniture that matches the purpose. Out of opening
hours the counter closes like a strong box. Inbuilt
anchorage points allow for the chaining of the
funiture overnight.
The kiosk remains accessible to the public as a tool
to reveal the color of the place.

Guillaume Mazars