Chicago’s Green Aspirations Shine in Design Contest
Two innovative proposals aimed at enhancing Chicago’s green spaces have been awarded the top prize in World Business Chicago’s first-ever “Horizon Lines” design contest. The contest sought fresh ideas to improve the city’s tree canopy and natural habitats.
Both winning entries focus on transforming Chicago into a greener city. The competition saw nearly 200 submissions, with six finalists ultimately chosen. The winners, The Morton Arboretum and the design firm MKSK, were announced during a City Club of Chicago event on Tuesday. Each will receive a $5,000 honorarium and the opportunity to collaborate with public and private partners to help turn their ideas into reality.
The Morton Arboretum proposed an initiative called “Green City Rising,” which aims to create a network of mini-forests throughout the city, with each forest reflecting the unique character of its surrounding community.
On the other hand, MKSK presented the “Wonderways!” proposal, envisioning a revival of Chicago’s historic 26-mile boulevard system. This plan would transform the area into lush prairies and wooded landscapes that connect the city’s many parks.
Phil Clement, CEO of World Business Chicago, noted the significance of these projects, emphasizing the potential for design and community engagement to create a greener, more interconnected city for future generations.
The contest, which kicked off in the spring, involved a panel of 10 judges who narrowed down the contenders to six finalists, with their proposals displayed at the Chicago Cultural Center. The exhibition has been extended and will remain open until October 11.
Among the other finalists were exciting ideas, including revitalizing Chicago’s 1,900-mile alley network into vibrant residential areas and transforming sections of the Dan Ryan and Eisenhower expressways into new green spaces.
All four runners-up will receive a $1,000 honorarium for their bold visions.
The jury chose the winning proposals because they collectively offered a comprehensive approach to expanding Chicago’s tree canopy, restoring natural habitats, and creating public green spaces. Andrea Sáenz, president and CEO of the Chicago Community Trust and a member of the Horizon Lines jury, expressed enthusiasm for how these plans could foster connections among people, nature, and their neighborhoods.
While the winning designs have been recognized, it’s important to note that they currently lack implementation plans. To bring them to life, funding, feasibility studies, and approval from city officials will be necessary.
Echoing the ambitions of architect Daniel Burnham’s famous 1909 Plan of Chicago, which helped shape the city’s parks and waterfront for over a century, the ideas put forth in this contest demonstrate a commitment to a greener future for Chicago.
Jill Koski, president and CEO of The Morton Arboretum, highlighted the aim of establishing nature as an essential part of the city’s economic and community development.
