Rash Field Pavilion

Overview

Opportunity

Solution

Impact

Team

Rash Field Pavilion demonstrates the power of public space to connect Baltimore with its waterfront through recreation, education, community gathering, and civic pride.

Location

Baltimore, Maryland

Client

Waterfront Partnership

Expertise

[FPO] Cities [FPO] Urban Design Cities & Urban Design Brand Design

Opportunity

The revitalization of Rash Field presented an opportunity to create a welcoming waterfront landmark that celebrates Baltimore's identity and future.

As Baltimore's waterfront evolved from an industrial economic engine into a civic and recreational destination, Rash Field presented an opportunity to strengthen the city's connection to its harbor. The revitalization sought to create a public space that could accommodate recreation, education, community programming, and everyday gathering while serving a diverse range of residents and visitors. Just as importantly, the project aimed to establish a recognizable waterfront landmark that would foster civic pride, celebrate Baltimore's identity, and support a more welcoming and inclusive future.

Why This Matters

01
A Harbor Reconnected
As Baltimore's waterfront evolved beyond its industrial past, reconnecting residents to the harbor became essential to creating a more vibrant and inclusive public realm.
02
A Civic Destination
The project created opportunities for recreation, learning, and gathering, transforming a prominent waterfront site into a destination that serves the entire city.
03
A Symbol of Optimism
More than a park amenity, the pavilion embodies Baltimore's future, fostering civic pride while reinforcing the waterfronts role as a shared community asset.

The pavilion uncovers stunning views, a diverse native ecology, and a variety of engaging experiences for residents and visitors. Rash Field Park prioritizes visitor interactions, community programming, and support for local businesses, positioning it as a driving force behind the revitalization of Baltimore's waterfront.

Solution

A sculptural pavilion and shade structure transformed a challenging waterfront site into an inclusive destination for gathering, learning, recreation, and connection.

Gensler partnered with landscape architect Mahan Rykiel Associates to create a pavilion that anchors a larger ecosystem of park experiences along Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Positioned to navigate a significant grade change, the elegant white structure establishes a welcoming destination while providing flexible space for community events, outdoor learning, and informal gatherings. Native landscapes, nature-focused programming, recreational amenities, and waterfront overlooks work together to reconnect people with the harbor, transforming the site into an active civic destination that supports education, recreation, and community life.

From brief to build: transforming a complex waterfront site into a flexible civic landmark that connects Baltimore's communities to the harbor.

Working closely with Waterfront Partnership and landscape architect Mahan Rykiel Associates, the design team developed a pavilion that could serve as both destination and connector within the larger park experience. Careful consideration of the site's significant grade change determined the pavilion's placement and relationship to surrounding pathways, gathering spaces, and waterfront views. At every scale, the design balances flexibility, accessibility, and environmental stewardship, creating opportunities for recreation, education, and community programming while strengthening public connections to Baltimore's harbor.

Elevated Views and Shaded Spaces

The pavilion's elevated overlook and shaded gathering spaces balance expansive harbor views with comfortable places for community connection.

Impact

More than a park improvement, Rash Field transformed Baltimore's waterfront into a stage for everyday life, creating new rituals, memories, and connections.

Today, the pavilion anchors a thriving waterfront destination where recreation, education, and community life strengthen Baltimore's connection to the harbor.

What Changed Because of This

01
Waterfront Experience
What was once a pass-through destination became a place to linger, offering new opportunities for recreation, exploration, and waterfront engagement.
02
Community Connection
Flexible gathering spaces support classes, events, and everyday encounters, strengthening social connections and fostering a greater sense of belonging.
03
Civic Identity
The pavilion has emerged as a recognizable waterfront landmark, reinforcing Baltimore's evolving identity while celebrating its relationship with the harbor.

Great cities are remembered for the experiences they create. Rash Field demonstrates how thoughtful public space can inspire pride, belonging, and lasting connections to place.

Recognition

01

Baltimore Magazine

Featured the ribbon cutting event, highlighting the pavilion, café, green roof overlook, and expanded waterfront amenities.

02

SouthBMore.com

Showcased Gensler's vision for a landmark waterfront destination along the Inner Harbor.

03

Baltimore Business Journal

“Modern, ‘elegant’ Rash Field Pavilion design wins approval.”

Team

Project Leadership

[FPO] Tyler Miller

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Peter Stubb

Peter Stubb is a Design Director and Principal in Gensler's Baltimore office whose work focuses on transformative civic, transportation, workplace, and urban projects that strengthen communities and elevate the public experience of the built environment.

FAQ

01

What is Rash Field Pavilion?

Rash Field Pavilion is a civic landmark and community gathering space located within the reimagined Rash Field Park on Baltimore's Inner Harbor. It supports recreation, education, community events, and everyday waterfront experiences.

02

Where is Rash Field Pavilion located?

The pavilion is located on the south side of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, connecting the waterfront promenade with the surrounding park and city.

03

Who designed Rash Field Pavilion?

Rash Field Pavilion was designed by Gensler in collaboration with landscape architect Mahan Rykiel Associates as part of the broader transformation of Rash Field Park.

04

How does the pavilion support community use?

The pavilion provides flexible space for outdoor classes, educational programs, community events, informal gatherings, and nonprofit-led activities throughout the year.

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Related Expertise

Cities Urban Design Cities & Urban Design Brand Design

Rash Field Pavilion demonstrates the power of public space to connect Baltimore with its waterfront through recreation, education, community gathering, and civic pride.

The revitalization of Rash Field presented an opportunity to create a welcoming waterfront landmark that celebrates Baltimore's identity and future.

Why This Matters

A sculptural pavilion and shade structure transformed a challenging waterfront site into an inclusive destination for gathering, learning, recreation, and connection.

From brief to build: transforming a complex waterfront site into a flexible civic landmark that connects Baltimore's communities to the harbor.

More than a park improvement, Rash Field transformed Baltimore's waterfront into a stage for everyday life, creating new rituals, memories, and connections.

What Changed Because of This