Union Station 2020 Competition Entry -

The Burnham Competition called for ideas to rethink the hi-speed railway terminal that is proposed to be located at the Union Station Terminal in downtown Chicago.

The underlying concept for this project is to challenge the cities foot and bicycle traffic to take more space back from the city.

In the hopes of an eventual decline of the automobile, I have to be realistic that it will continue to eat away at the public space of the city. Since Chicago is ripe with high-rise towers, this building was trying to introduce a new building function to the city. Via the exterior ramp, foot and bike traffic can access a 20th story circulation grid.

While it may be difficult for a bicycle or a pedestrian to climb the tower to the 20th floor without any mechanical help, it may also be the kind of challenge that motivated citizens are up for.

2008