Cliff Dwellers, in co-sponsorship with the Friends of Downtown and the Chicago Chapter of the AIA, are pleased to present another in a series of lectures at the Cliff Dwellers on Projects by Chicago Architects:Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture on the new design for The Yard at Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier. 

Consisting of approximately 35,000 sf of space, the project goals are to introduce a “global trend in theater architecture to Chicago that focuses on resourceful, sustainable, and adaptive design” according to Criss Henderson, Managing Director of CST. The new project is comprised of the adaptive reuse of the existing Skyline Stage along with a new structure connecting The Yard to the existing Shakespeare lobby.

Located adjacent to the existing theater, The Yard is artfully tucked beneath the existing signature tent structure above an existing parking garage. The new theater is fully enclosed beneath the white tent, using the existing stagehouse and backstage support spaces. The Yard will be connected to the existing facility, by a glazed two story lobby and reception space with magnificent views of Lake Michigan.

In order to mitigate glare and heat, the design has employed an electrochromatic façade for the lobby. Designed with daylight sensors on the roof, the façade will gradually tint as sunlight passes across its southern face. Not only is this a technologically unique solution, it is highly sustainable as it will reduce heat gain and cooling needs for the project. In addition, the “theatrical” nature of the façade is akin to the raising of the curtain, as it will be primarily tinted throughout the day becoming clearer in the evenings as the sun sets and the performances begin. Override capabilities are included for the Client so that at any time, the facade can be as clear or as opaque as desired.

Speaker information forthcoming. 

Additional Info:  Details on Dinner and lecture forthcoming... 

The program is free and the price per person for dinner is $25.

Reservations are required for dinner and requested for the program. They may be made by calling 312-922-8080 or by e-mail to reservations@cliff-chicago.org and can be made up until the afternoon of the event. Payment for dinner and charges at the bar are by credit card or charge to a member’s House Account only.

Discount parking is available after 4PM at the garage located at 17 E. Adams – enter on Adams between Wabash and State.  Ask for a discount coupon at the check-in desk.