Forget-Me-Not Pavilion envisions a new future for the 2015 Chicago Horizon Pavilion through an ethic of repair, reuse, and subtle transformation. Commissioned by the 2025 Chicago Architecture Biennial and Harvard Design Magazine Issue 53 titled Repair and Reuse, the project reconsiders an existing temporary structure as a lasting public space along the Chicago lakefront. Originally designed by Ultramoderne and Brett Schneider for the inaugural Chicago Architecture Biennial, the pavilion is defined by a long span CLT roof supported by thirteen columns located north of Museum Campus.
Now ten years old, the pavilion requires thoughtful attention to extend its life while preserving its architectural intent and structural integrity. Through the lens of the Biennial theme Shift, the project proposes inventive recalibration rather than replacement. The pavilion remains immediately recognizable to parkgoers as the original structure, yet new spatial qualities and uses gradually emerge beneath the canopy through closer engagement.
A subtractive intervention in the CLT roof forms the core of the proposal. Nearly two hundred flower shaped openings are cored through the CLT roof using four variations derived from a standard 5-½” radius woodworking tool. Inspired by the natural decay patterns of leaves, these openings reveal the structural intelligence of the long span CLT system while introducing a new atmospheric condition below. Daylight filters through the roof to create a dynamic field of dappled light that recalls the experience of standing beneath a tree canopy. Each opening is sealed with a clear acrylic domed skylight, ensuring a dry and protected environment while projecting a field of flower patterned light into the pavilion interior.
New programmatic and material interventions support the pavilion as an active and sustainable public amenity. A new permeable cork ground is installed over the existing concrete pad, providing a soft transition to the surrounding lawn and a comfortable surface for sitting, walking, and gathering. A cork clad bench extends from beneath the canopy to the exterior, inviting passersby into the shaded space and encouraging informal occupation. An enclosed kiosk occupies the large rectangular opening in the original structure and includes built-in counters and kitchen storage to support a future food and beverage vendor. This addition generates revenue that supports Chicago Park District lakefront operations while anchoring the pavilion with a clear and durable program.
Through minimal and precise interventions, Forget-Me-Not Pavilion establishes a second life for the temporary structure, bringing a new spatial and social impact, while preserving its original identity and legacy along the Chicago lakefront.
Currently, a 1½” = 1’-0” scale model measuring 12’-0” by 12’-0” is on display at the Chicago Cultural Center as part of the 2025 Chicago Architecture Biennial, showcasing the project. A slow-moving light mounted on the ceiling casts light onto the model’s canopy, projecting the flower-pattern openings of the roof onto the ground below. The model stands on a wooden crate at a height that allows visitors to view the entirety of the roof’s flower-pattern openings while simultaneously observing the light cast onto the ground and interior of the pavilion by the moving light.
Team:
Architects: Kwong Von Glinow: Alison Von Glinow, AIA, Lap Chi Kwong, Andri Putri, Oana Giuglea, Nicholas Papas, Hai Truong, Bridgette Anne Galve, Thao Vo, Tianjiao Wang, Suyeon Ji, Yeong Jae Lee
Structural Engineer: Goodfriend Magruder Structures
MEP Engineer: dbHMS
Model Photographer: Mikael Olsson
Rendering Background Photographer: Assaf Evron
Client: Chicago Architecture Biennial and Harvard Design Magazine
