My entry in Perkins+ Will’s Design Competition in Chicago.
BUILDING-INTEGRATED AGRICULTURE
Designed by Kevin Elika & Heidi Eisenberg
Perspective Renderings by Kevin Elika
1. THE MASTERPLAN
The master planning and architecture of the site will respond to the need for an ecological urban development reconciling the contemporary demands for the city of Chicago while preserving the natural landscape and history. A mixed-use development with 5 stories of greenhouse farmland will provide year-round urban agricultural production within a sustainable infrastructure. This model will allow the city access and democratization to healthy, fresh produce.
Serving as a sustainable model of Chicago, this masterplan celebrates the importance of the Midwest agriculture history, as well as Chicago’s future potential. Connecting and revitalizing the once disconnected site, this masterplan solves the disconnection between The Loop, University Village, Lakefront, and South Loop.
2. PUBLIC PARK
The masterplan also consists of a public park with bike and walking trails, residential vertical living, public spaces and a new train station that blends into the surrounding urban environment as well as connects the site to surrounding communities.
3. VERTICAL GREENHOUSE
Strong connections between living, working and leisure while being connected with nature and local food sources will ensure a higher standard of living that other cities can use as a sustainable model. This site will become an icon for Chicago, celebrating the rich history of Midwest agriculture, becoming a new type of urban mixed development while promoting connectivity.
3. PENTHOUSE LIVING
A new residential living units that are stacked vertically allows Chicagoans to grow and harvest their own food in front of their home unit; a lost living experience to those who live in big city.
