MANDRAKE PARK

This project is a public washroom facility at Mandrake Park in Chicago’s Oakland neighborhood for the Chicago Park District. This building utilizes a heavy timber structural system to project a rustic look. Its form is derived form the round houses that can be found throughout Africa.

The masonry pattern conjures up the texture of granary doors by the Dogon. The two semi-circular porches enable parents to maintain surveillance of the children while avoiding the sun. The entrances of the washrooms have been placed on opposite sides of the building to prevent loitering by men in front of the women’s washroom. Construction cost for this project is $750,000.