Curves, Concrete, & Chaos Collide
Exploring Chicago's Green Spaces
(With a Side of Angry Birds!)
It’s undeniable that the test of a good urban design lies in its accessible green spaces. To seamlessly blend a lush landscape and invite living outdoors creates synergy in urban life. Chicago while being on the lake/river has always had this connection with nature, and has since grown in its connection. Quite literally.
Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Great Lawn
Walking through Millennium Park, the vibrant colors and varied textures of the gardens offer a feast for the senses. The Park and its surrounding green spaces reflect the same innovative spirit seen in its skyline, the collaborative genius of landscape architect Gustafson Guthrie Nichol and architect Frank Gehry. With sweeping forms and open spaces, a perfect contrast is created, a city jungle, where stone and metal coexist harmoniously with grass and flowers.
I’ve been a fan of Frank Gehry’s work for as long as I can remember. Growing up, we had a DVD of him talking about his design process and his approach to architecture, and after seeing it I was hooked. He's such a rule-breaker—always challenging conventions and pushing boundaries. He’s the guy who made wobbly, warped shapes in architecture cool long before it was a trend. I love how he isn’t afraid to get messy with design. His buildings are like pieces of art, totally unafraid to show some personality. Whenever I travel, I make a point of checking out his work. It’s like a pilgrimage to see the man who turned architectural norms on their head, and I can’t help but be inspired by how he has always made architecture feel fresh and alive.
The sweeping steel forms of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stand open toward the expanse of the Great Lawn like a flower bending to find the sun. Frank Gehry's design for the Pavilion features curving stainless steel ribbons that extend over the lawn, creating a grand performance space. This innovative structure reflects Gehry’s signature style, which often blends organic forms with industrial materials, making the Pavilion a focal point of Millennium Park.
BP Bridge to Maggie Daley Park
A complete 180 from the southern half of the site and its classically formal, organized garden paths, the fluid, wave-like structure of the BP Bridge seamlessly morphs into the north side’s organically sprawn landscape. Another of Frank Gehry’s creations, the BP Bridge not only serves as a functional pedestrian pathway, but also as a sculptural element that enhances the park’s presence from that of even the highway. The bridge’s sinuous form and stainless steel cladding create a sense of movement and flow, connecting different areas of the park while offering stunning views of the city.
Lurie Garden
Lush greenery and diverse plantings make Lurie Garden a vibrant urban oasis, where carefully curated plant species create a symphony of textures and colors. The garden, designed by Gustafson Guthrie Nichol in collaboration with renowned plantsman Piet Oudolf, features a blend of native plants and ornamental grasses that provide year-round interest. The garden’s design reflects Oudolf’s philosophy of naturalistic planting, where plants are chosen for their structural beauty as well as their ecological benefits, creating a serene and sustainable urban retreat.
However, my serene strolls were not without excitement—I was dive-bombed several times by a rather territorial red-winged blackbird! It seems I ventured a bit too close to its nest, adding a touch of unexpected drama to my otherwise peaceful exploration.
Chicago's green spaces and architectural landmarks are intertwined in a way that highlights the city's commitment to both innovation and beauty. From the bold designs of Frank Gehry and Jeanne Gang to the thoughtful plantings of Piet Oudolf and Gustafson Guthrie Nichol, every element contributes to a cohesive and dynamic urban landscape. Whether you're marveling at the skyline or getting lost in the lush paths, Chicago offers a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrate the union of nature and design. And if you’re lucky—or unlucky—you might even get a close encounter with the local wildlife, although hopefully yours isn’t dive-bombing you like that bird did to me!
