George Lucas’ legacy project – the US$300m (€220m, £179m) Lucas Museum of Narrative Art (LMNA) – has revealed that Beijing-based MAD Architects has been selected as principal designer for the project, while Chicago-based Studio Gang will work on the landscape. In addition, VOA Associates, based in Chicago, will serve as the executive architect and lead the implementation of MAD’s design.

Pending approval by the Chicago Plan Commission, Lucas' 95,000sq ft (8,825sq m) institution will be built on what are currently parking lots between Soldier Field and McCormick Place. Architectural renderings will be presented to city officials in late September/early October.

“We are bringing together some of the top architects in the world to ensure that our museum experience begins long before a visitor ever enters the building,” said Lucas. “I am thrilled with the architectural team’s vision for the building and the surrounding green space. I look forward to presenting our design to the Chicago community.”

To connect the LMNA to neighbouring Northerly Island, a bridge will be built by the LMNA, with plans for a surrounding combined ecological and urban habitat.

The museum plans have not been without controversy however, as a number of open space advocates have vowed to file a lawsuit against Lucas over the museum, which they claim would breach regulations implemented to protect open space adjacent to Lake Michigan.