
Floating park for nature and everyday use
Chicago, Illinois, United States


Designed by Surface Design, the park references the history of the eastern waterfront. The use of robust and reclaimed materials creates a direct connection to the site’s maritime and industrial past. Reused steel is a key material within the design. The park is intentionally flexible, offering a variety of uses along the waterfront, including promenades, plazas, terraces, and informal seating areas. Within this setting, elements from Vestre’s BLOC series are integrated. The use of Corten steel reflects the site’s material character and reinforces its connection to the industrial context. Bayfront Park now serves as a key component of Mission Bay’s evolving waterfront, combining public space, landscape quality, and historical reference.




