John Ronan Architects have recently released new renderings of their runner-up proposal for the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, Chicago. The ambition of the design was to serve as an amenity for the community, with programmatic elements such as an indoor/outdoor theater, dining, event spaces, and an athletic facility in addition to a museum dedicated to the Obama presidency. 

© John Ronan Architects. Via Curbed Chicago

John Ronan Architects have recently released new renderings of their runner-up proposal for the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, Chicago. The ambition of the design was to serve as an amenity for the community, with programmatic elements such as an indoor/outdoor theater, dining, event spaces, and an athletic facility in addition to a museum dedicated to the Obama presidency. 
© John Ronan Architects. Via Curbed Chicago

The building is conceived as a series of rotated ellipses that seem to float above the site, a bold form glazed in understated glass to capture views of the surrounding urban and natural landscape. Surrounded by the structure is a grassy open-air gathering space, including the theater for which the adjacent lagoon serves as a backdrop.

© John Ronan Architects. Via Curbed Chicago

© John Ronan Architects. Via Curbed Chicago

As visitors circulate through the museum structure, they can enjoy view...