Northwestern Sailing Center is most direct connection between the campus and its spectacular location on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Right on the beach at the water’s edge, the Sailing Center is home to the University’s intercollegiate sailing team and its student sailing classes. The LEED Gold Certified building is composed of staggered blocks (the sailing office and a “garage” for boats and gear in front; the learning center and locker rooms behind) linked by a light-filled glass box containing the entry area.
© Mike Schwartz Photo
The blocks were kept long and low to fit into Lake Michigan’s immense horizon and to allow future buildings behind to enjoy shoreline views. Their rugged concrete walls are embossed by the rough boards that made them, leaving horizontal ridges that create gentle shadow play and hint at clapboards weathering in the sun. The sailing program’s competitive athletic core is blazoned by translucent plastic panels of deep purple, NU’s official color, that fold upward or slide sideways to open directly to the beach launch area with its Astroturf carpet for drying sails—revealing a view of the Chicago skyline 12 miles to the south during the sailing season and then buttoning up the building, piled high with stored boats and gear, for the winter.
Project Info
Architects: Woodhouse Tinucci Architects
Country: Evanston, United States
Area: 6000 ft²
Year: 2015
Photographs: Mike Schwartz Photo
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.