Morgan Shoal Lakefront Revetment

The Morgan Shoal Comfort Station will soon replace a notable landmark along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Drawing inspiration from historic Chicago Bridge Houses. The design features a continuous clear story window that allows natural light to activate the space during the day while serving as a captivating beacon, accentuating the up-lit cantilevered roof surface in the evening.  This distinctive concrete roof plane will float above the city skyline, serving as a distinctive marker for lakefront recreation while offering a tranquil escape away from the noise + restlessness of DuSable Lakeshore Drive.  Our focus was to seamlessly re-incorporate the historical site-specific carved limestone blocks while referencing the vibrant colors of the iconic artwork from the old comfort station. Latent Design makes the invisible visible with each bespoke project location + historical context.  As such we have creatively embraced the concept of sound + frequency, translating the ever-changing nature of the lake into a tangible texture that defines this building's facade.  Collaborating with the esteemed artist Mark Holt, we have commissioned custom form-lined concrete panels + frit patterns that echo + reinterpret the sound patterns of the lake, creating a visually stunning + artistically robust structure.  To pay homage to the harmony and vibrancy of the lake, we will integrate colors derived from the artwork displayed on the original comfort station into the interior partition panels.  A sound mirror positioned beneath the cantilevered roof, facing the lake, will serve as a captivating reflection of the constantly evolving soundscape of Lake Michigan throughout the year.