As part of his push to make Chicago a "global city" (a center for transnational commerce and communication) the soon-to-be former Mayor Daley embarked on a significant effort to make Chicago a global artistic and cultural destination. Part of that effort to beautify Chicago and make it worthy of the global limelight was the renovation of Millennium Park, which borders the city's central business district, a major transportation hub, and the Art Institute. Daley selected Frank Gehry to design the center piece of the park, the Pritzker Pavilion.
Choosing Gehry comes as no surprise. Gehry's Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao nearly single-handedly transformed that small town into a global destination on the sheer force of its photogenic and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Mayor Daley no doubt hoped that lightning would strike twice and that a Gehry building would similarly propel Millennium Park (and Chicago) into global renown.
Though the Pritzker Pavilion is quite beautiful, I chose to instead focus on the less well-known BP Bridge, which is located right next to the Pavilion. It is a foot bridge that connects two parts of the park that are separated by a small highway. Gehry's work is very sculptural and energetic. He has said in statements that he tries to simulate movement and action in his structures. I think the BP Bridge succeeds at this task, seeming to leap over a highway like a snake in a jungle leaping from one tree to another. It's a very simple and poetic structure.
Choosing Gehry comes as no surprise. Gehry's Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao nearly single-handedly transformed that small town into a global destination on the sheer force of its photogenic and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Mayor Daley no doubt hoped that lightning would strike twice and that a Gehry building would similarly propel Millennium Park (and Chicago) into global renown.
Though the Pritzker Pavilion is quite beautiful, I chose to instead focus on the less well-known BP Bridge, which is located right next to the Pavilion. It is a foot bridge that connects two parts of the park that are separated by a small highway. Gehry's work is very sculptural and energetic. He has said in statements that he tries to simulate movement and action in his structures. I think the BP Bridge succeeds at this task, seeming to leap over a highway like a snake in a jungle leaping from one tree to another. It's a very simple and poetic structure.
BP Bridge Study 1
BP Bridge Study 1
BP Bridge Study 1
BP Bridge Study 1
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