Donald L. Morrill Math and Science School Public Work – Chicago Public School Learning Garden Morrill School organized a design committee to work with Openlands and together they developed a program focusing on storm water management and outdoor instruction. The classroom space evolved into amphitheater-style seating with lawn panels for learning in a relaxed environment.…
Swift Hall Cloister Garden Public Work – University of Chicago The Divinity School sought to create a cloister garden deserving of the lovely setting created by Swift Hall and Bond Chapel. While based on traditional cloister designs of highly organized, intimate spaces, this cloister garden is uniquely open on one side to a large quad…
Hyde Park Bus Stop Public Work – University of Chicago The old bus stop, adjacent to a pharmacy loading dock, consisted of a 70’s era planting scheme and absolutely no seating. The new design pulls the circulation away from the interior wall and fencing, taking out the extraneous concrete walk, to open up more room…
Locke School Public Work – Chicago, Illinois Josephine Locke School, located on the northwest side of Chicago, is a large elementary school but one that tries to get the most out of every student. The school has an International Baccalaureate program that encourages students to build core values of discipline, tolerance, and respect that they…
Evergreen Academy Public Work – Chicago Public School Learning Garden Evergreen Academy developed a program with Openlands to facilitate interactive learning with outdoor classrooms, native plantings, and a vegetable garden. In an effort to promote ownership of this garden, the students were involved from the initial brainstorming sessions through the actual garden install; they planted…
Lincoln Park High School Public Work – Chicago Public School Outdoor Classroom Working with the non-profit organization, Openlands, Lincoln Park High School wanted to overhaul their existing amphitheater space that was no longer being utilized to its full potential. The new design incorporates a rain garden and native plantings to provide an educational experience for…
McPherson Elementary School Public Work – Chicago Public School Campus Master Plan McPherson Elementary School is a pre-k to 8th grade Chicago Public School located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. The existing outdoor space accommodates recess and after-school activities for 600 students, as well as community park space on the weekends. Friends of McPherson, under…
Chicago Flower and Garden Show Public Work – Openlands Display Garden Designed for the Chicago Flower and Garden Show, this project was a true collaboration between Openlands, Culliton Quinn, suppliers, contractors, and student volunteers. Sustainable measures can be seen throughout every facet of the landscape. All lumber for the project, including White Oak and Catalpa,…
Wheeler Mansion Public Work – South Loop Boutique Hotel Wheeler Mansion was built as a single family home by Calvin T. Wheeler, the President of the Board of Trade, in 1871; it was restored and converted into a hotel in 1999. Located in the South Loop near McCormick Place, the surrounding area has been largely…
