The Chicago Bean

In 2023 the City of Chicago in conjunction with Epstein Global Architecture, reached out to our team at Archatrak to upgrade the roughly 20,000 square feet podium around The Bean. They were seeking to switch out the pavers and replace the plaza with a system that provided better water drainage, and a durable yet refined finish.

To radically improve the drainage system, the existing plaza was replaced with an elevated deck system, using 3cm thick porcelain pavers for the new plaza surface, laid over 8’x 4’ SpanTrak FRP grating panels, and supported by Archatrak ‘Prime’ adjustable height pedestals. NM pedestal heads were laid on top the FRP to ensure precise spacing of the pavers and reduce noise transmission. The plaza re-opened June 2024 with a classic, yet modern touch, that highlighted the sculptural beauty of the Bean.