When architect Daniel Burnham crafted the 1909 Plan of Chicago, his ‘make no little plans’ vision shaped the city, its parks, and lakefront for more than a century. World Business Chicago aims to find the next transformative idea through the ‘Horizon Lines’ open design contest. This spring, about 200 participants submitted ambitious visions for Chicago in 2050. Proposals ranged from building islands in Lake Michigan to themed public toilets.
Six concepts emerged as finalists for a $5,000 prize and potential development. ‘We asked Chicagoans to help us imagine the future of our city in real yet visionary ways,’ said Phil Clement, CEO of World Business Chicago.
The public can visit the Chicago Cultural Center to view and comment on these plans. Here are the six big ideas competing to become Chicago’s next Millennium Park or Riverwalk, with remarks from Elle Rampel, Chief of Staff at World Business Chicago.
Green City Rising: Chicago’s Living Network of Neighborhood Arboreta
The Morton Arboretum proposes a network of mini-forests across city neighborhoods to help Chicago live up to its motto ‘Urbs in Horto’ or city in a garden. This plan emphasizes more trees to restore Chicago’s original landscape, offering a respite from concrete buildings.
The Third Frontage Initiative
This plan aims to transform the city’s 1,900-mile alley network into vibrant streetscapes with housing, green infrastructure, and pedestrian-friendly areas. Initiated by architects from Gensler and Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, it proposes converting garages into homes and introducing greenery to revitalize the alleys.
Repairing the Scars of the Interstate Highway Era
The Metropolitan Planning Council plans to cover sections of the Dan Ryan and Eisenhower expressways with green spaces. This would turn the highways into tunnels with parks above, reconnecting separated neighborhoods.
Wonderways: Reimagining Chicago’s Boulevards as Climate Commons
Chicago design firm MKSK envisions the city’s boulevard system as ecological and social landscapes connecting various parks. Enhancements include expanding the tree canopy, restoring prairies, and creating recreational spaces.
AgriFlats
Wheeler Kearns Architects propose turning food deserts into urban agriculture zones with interconnected greenhouses where farmers live and work. This would generate jobs and supply fresh produce to residents and restaurants, much like Gotham Greens in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood.
Re-Loop, The Living Mile
The Re-Loop Vision Coalition envisions a tourist district featuring sculptures, food stalls, and a permanent home for salvage businesses near Rate Field. This recycling district could attract tourists and invigorate the area.
Beyond the six finalists, the exhibit showcases other ambitious designs, including an elevated Buckingham Fountain and islands in Lake Michigan. One submission by Perkins & Will proposed artistic public toilets as both attractions and practical city additions.
World Business Chicago will announce the winner on September 15. Visitors are invited to provide feedback at the Cultural Center, with the exhibit running until September 20.