Chicago Symphony Orchestra Annex

This project is a derivation of the Chicagoan grid. It is perfectly orthogonal yet irregular and rough. Concrete evokes the gritty and color highlights the important. The circulation weaves itself through the grid; the open floor plan narrows as it reaches the top of the building to reduce the speed of circulation as visitors near the theater. The structure forces itself over the corner of Wabash and Adams and right above the L line to provide a break from the sound and wind that the train generates. The gridded waffle slab system utilized for structural support allows train passengers to determine their speed. Visitors may also pass through the open courtyard below the cantilever and reach Millennium park more efficiently.