SOM to build mile-long floating gardens and social hub on the Chicago River
by Andrew Manns | 07 Mar 2019
International architecture firm Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM) have unveiled their designs for a first-of-a-kind floating eco-park in Chicago.
The scheme will see sections of the Chicago River and shoreline transformed into a nature reserve and leisure attraction for urban dwellers looking for a temporary escape from city life.
Called "Wild Mile Chicago", the project – which is being supported by Chicago's Department of Planning and Development, as well as by a collective of urban planners and ecologists named "Urban Rivers" – is anticipated to establish a hitherto non-existent recreational corridor around the city's main waterway.
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According to Urban Rivers, the new space will feature "floating gardens, forests, wetlands, public walkways, educational learning stations, and kayak access points".
The site will also maintain a number of habitats for birds, bees, and bats.
"This initiative will improve the North Branch Canal as a truly unique waterfront for the entire city, where visitors will be able to engage and appreciate the city's ecosystem through unprecedented public access," said Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Details for Wild Mile are due to be finalised in March. The project, which has been on the boards since 2017, is scheduled to be completed in 2020.
SOM Chicago Wild Mile Urban Rivers
Wild Mile Chicago will feature public walkways, nature reserves, and kayaking access points. / Courtesy of SOM
The new park is expected to be completed in 2020. / Courtesy of SOM
International architecture firm Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM) have unveiled their designs for a first-of-a-kind floating eco-park in Chicago. The scheme will see sections of the Chicago River and shoreline transformed into a nature reserve and leisure attraction for urban dwellers looking for a temporary escape from city life. Called "Wild Mile Chicago", the project – which is being supported by Chicago's Department of Planning and Development, as well as
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London's Battersea Power Station prepares for major launch
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Weiss/Manfredi and Reed Hilderbrand reveal US$250m redevelopment for Longwood Gardens, Philadelphia
by Tom Walker | 28 Feb 2021
Longwood Gardens, a botanical visitor attraction near Philadelphia, US, has revealed plans for a US$250m redevelopment project. The historic site – one of the largest horticultural gardens in the US – will transform its visitor experience through the revitalisation of 17 acres of its core conservatory area. The 'Longwood Reimagined' project – set to be completed by late 2024 – will expand the public spaces of the central grounds and
Baca Architects submits scheme for floating eco-wellness resort
by Megan Whitby | 25 Feb 2021
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by Tom Walker | 09 Feb 2021
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Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter and ASP Architecture create hidden nature retreat inspired by hygge and Nordic hospitality
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by Tom Walker | 19 Jan 2021
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Ritz-Carlton Reserve opens with luxury spa at Japanese alpine ski resort
by Megan Whitby | 13 Jan 2021
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Scott Brownrigg-designed Museum of Military Medicine in Cardiff given planning approval
by Tom Walker | 12 Jan 2021
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by Tom Walker | 03 Jan 2021
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by Tom Walker | 31 Dec 2020
Büro Ole Scheeren and Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban have been appointed to create a masterplan for the Hangzhou Wangjiang New Town project in China. Together, the architects will establish a new art and cultural destination in the historical city on behalf of New World Development Company, a Hong Kong-based group focused on property, infrastructure and hotels – and one of the largest foreign direct investors in mainland China. With
FIFA files criminal complaint over funding of €459m world football museum
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AZPML and UKST win competition to design Korean Museum of Urbanism and Architecture
by Tom Walker | 09 Dec 2020
Architects AZPML and UKST have secured the commission to design the Korean Museum of Urbanism and Architecture (KMUA), a £31.4m project in Sejong, South Korea. The competition was organised by the National Agency for Administrative City Construction (NAACC), which is looking to establish a museum exploring the history and the development of the built environment across the country. With a total floor area of 17,050sq m, the museum will be
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The Well creates integrated wellness retreat in New England countryside for Auberge Resorts
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The Well has struck its first-ever hospitality partnership and developed a holistic wellbeing retreat for Auberge Resort Collection’s Mayflower Inn & Spa resort, in Connecticut. The opening will complete Mayflower Inn’s property-wide transformation including a redesign of the 35-room resort, led by interior designer Celerie Kembele. The Well is a modern wellness brand known for its first location in New York which offers integrated holistic health solutions and access to
Architects 10 Design reveal plans for ambitious Edinburgh city centre plans
by Tom Walker | 28 Nov 2020
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Perth's Boola Bardip museum opens in new AU$400m building designed by Hassell and OMA
by Tom Walker | 24 Nov 2020
Western Australia's new $400m WA Museum Boola Bardip, in the heart of Perth's Cultural Centre, has officially opened after four years of construction. Charting the rich heritage of Western Australia (WA), the museum houses eight permanent exhibition galleries, a 1,000sq m special exhibition gallery, life-long learning studios and retail, café and public spaces. The Museum has been conceived as a ‘collection of stories’ about WA's diversity, history and contemporary culture.
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Museum devoted to the history of the US Army opens its doors
by Tom Walker | 16 Nov 2020
A museum telling the story of the US Army has opened in close to Newington, close to Washington, D.C. The National Museum of the United States Army (NMUSA) is the first to outline the rich heritage of the oldest branch of the United States military had has been designed to serve as a center of education and as the Army’s symbolic "front door". Rather than focusing on battles or wars,
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