Upholdling the guidng principle of Chicago architecture, form break, the pavillion promotes the exchange of ideas via a free and eas- between the city and its inhabitants. In keeping with Millenium follows function. The trellis that seems to float above the pa- ily accesible forum. Park as a whole, Pritzker Pavillion creates a theater not only villion eliminates the need for cumbersome, view blocking for performing arts but also, most importantly, a theater for pylons. Furthermore, musicians rave about the sound qual- The democratic aspects of the space and its cutting edge the unbiast celebration of human interaction and creativity. ity. The acoustic enhancement system delivers sound from the contemporary style echo the usonian ethos established a century The pavillion praises the sometimes contradictory notions of side and the rear of listeners which helps mitigate peripheral earlier by one othe fathers of Chicago architecure, Frank Lloyd Wright. equality and individuality, rewarding unorthodox design ideas noises. The trellis allows for what Ghery refers to as “demo- The trellis could be seen as a kind of futuristic car port, blurring the if such ideas have the power to unite more than shock. In cratic” sound, defining the “space on the grass as an outdoor lines between interior and extrior, creating a seamless marriage true democratic fashion, Ghery’s design demands inquiry and room.”(Millenium Park: Creating a Chicago Landmark, Timothy between inside and outside. Surrounded by towering architectrual debate and promotes discourse and deliberation. And from J. Gilfoyle, Univeristy of Chicago Press, 2006, pg. 238.) Thanks icons that include the Aon Center, One and Two Prudential Plaza and that process will come new forms and creations that continue to consistent sound quality and informed site design, even the Smufit Stone Building, the Pritzker Pavillion earns the respect of to adapt to and communicate with their ever changing people at the back of the lawn feel visually engaged with the such intimidating neighbors. The bandshell pushes the boundaries surroundings and inhabitans. stage. Whether watching a performance or taking a lunch of contemporary archtitecturl design, establishing a new relationship JAY PRITZKER PAVILLION CHICAGO, ILLINOIS FRANK GHERY, 2004

The construction of the pavillion began in 2001, composed of concrete with a steel shell. The pavillion is a bandshell that hosts concerts and other performing arts events and serves as the centerpiece of Millenium Park, located within the larger Grant Park. The venue accepts a total of 11,000 people (4,000 fixed, 7,000 lawn) and fulfills the city’s hopes of creating a worthy home for the Grant Park Music Festival. The festival began in 1935 and continues to be the nation’s only free outdoor classical musical program. The park also is the home of two other sculptural icons, Cloud Gate and Crown Fountain, interactive works of art that beg visitor interaction and require no fee for participation. Although the park has been critisized for lacking aesthetic cohesion, due to the private donors and independent commissions, the design of the park as well as the pavillion demands public interest and inquiry and fosters a sense of community and cultural investigation.

As recently as 1997, the site of the future pavillion was a Chicago eyesore, home to the Illinois Central Rail Yards, serving more as a storage facility than any kind of inner- city oasis. In contrast, the new Millenium park is a highly interactive landscape, one in which viewers enter the frame and become apart of the scenery.” (Architectural Record, 2005 . , V. 193 n.1, pg. 139.) Breaking away from the more traditional, Olmsteadian model, visitors are not passive onlookers surveilling their surroundings, hoping to achieve some kind of visual nostrum. Rather, the pavillion and the accompanying works of art encourage a dialogue, a physical communication with the environment.

The bandshell rises an impressive 120 feet and the trellis, housing sound and lighting, measures 600 feet long and 320 feet wide. The pavillion is readily accesible from multiple entrances on Randolph Street, Monroe Street, and Michigan Avenue. On the east side of the park, there is a sinous, snake- like bridge that weaves its way across Columbus Drive not only providing acces to Bicentennial Plaza, but also offering park views and acting as an important noise barrier to the eight lane vehicular cacophony that is Columbus Avenue.