Location
1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Sector
Civic and institutional
Team
Institute for Human Centered Design, JLL, Pepper/BMI Construction LLC, Trinal Inc., Valerio Dewalt Train Associates
For the Shedd Aquarium’s 2030 Centennial Commitment, they are undertaking a four-year transformation project to ensure a more equitable, sustainable, and thriving future for people, communities, and aquatic life. As part of this, site is leading the design of significant exterior improvements, which include updates to the aquarium’s entryway and green spaces, and the much-needed restoration of their historic terraces. The changes will enable Shedd’s programming to extend outdoors, as well as encourage nature play and greater physical accessibility.
A revitalized entry will welcome visitors, while new pavilions will create a circular gathering space around the iconic Man with Fish fountain, alongside enhanced gardens to support play, native plant species, important pollinators, migrating birds, and organically grown produce to feed the animals. The four acres of green space surrounding the building will be better utilized to make it more inclusive and interactive for all guests. Increasing the public’s access to nature, as well as enhancing biodiversity at all levels, will bolster resilience of Chicago’s lakefront.
The transformation at the Shedd Aquarium will expand and improve spaces for all visitors and the 25,000+ animals that call Shedd home – advancing the aquarium’s goals of education, conservation, and strengthened connections to nature.
