Final images of the design for the School of Architecture's Chicago Architecture Biennial Lakefront Kiosk, Summer Vault, were recently released. The kiosk, designed by Clinical Assistant Professor Paul Andersen (Independent Architecture) and Associate Professor and Acting Director Paul Preissner (Paul Preissner Architects), will be on view during the Chicago Architecture Biennial this Fall.
"Summer Vault, designed by Paul Andersen of Independent Architecture and Paul Preissner of Paul Preissner Architects, in collaboration with the UIC School of Architecture, is a lakefront kiosk that accommodates a lot of things. It consists of basic geometric shapes—a 12-foot diameter barrel vault, a parallelogram, triangles—combined to create a curious, freestanding hangout within the park.
The interior of the skewed vault is divided into two triangular spaces—one enclosed by expanded metal screens and doors, and one open to the air but still within the vaulting. This two part plan allows for commerce and community to occur simultaneously. It also reflects the kiosk’s Persian origins as a 13th century garden pavilion, while embracing its contemporary use as a seasonal commercial front and festive park retreat. Its openness allows year round use, remaining active even in its retail slumber during the Chicago winter."