PARK(ing) Day | Set the Scene

PARK(ing) Day | Set the Scene

#aslapd18

NE corner of North Wabash and East Chicago opposite of Chick-fil-A.

Want to help out Friday?

Volunteer! 

Photo sneak peeks on Instagram

On Friday, September 21, the ILASLA will participate in PARK(ing) Day, an annual, open-source event that asks landscape architects and other designers to re-imaging parking spaces as small, miniature parks, or parklets. PARK(ing) Day aims to educate people about the value of public open space and its significance within an urban community.

The concept for our parklet is based on the notion of inclusion. The feeling of inclusion is complex and unique to everyone; therefore, we aim to provide a space that is welcoming, promotes active engagement, and cultivates a sense of ownership in the user. The design plays off the nature of theater set design, and consists of an interactive backdrop, movable props, and performance space. We aim to engage passersby to “set the scene” by placing and adjusting elements throughout the space to create their ideal park and take ownership of their built environment.

The location of the parklet, downtown’s River North neighborhood, is a place we believe both Chicagoan’s and visiting tourists can feel a sense of belonging. The precise location will be at the NE corner of North Wabash and East Chicago opposite of Chick-fil-a. Being just steps away from the Red Line EL stop, this pedestrian thoroughfare is also home to Loyola University and only blocks away from Chicago’s historic Water Tower to the east and Washington Square Park to the northwest, ensuring a diverse variety of both locals and visitors through the site.

A very special thank you to Lake Street Supply for their generous sponsorship and use of building space!

Also thank you to our sponsors:

Anova

Design Workshop

Lakota Group

Montale Nurseries

Questions to publicawareness.ilasla@gmail.com