When architect Daniel Burnham crafted the 1909 Plan of Chicago, his bold vision of making no small plans influenced the city’s development, park system, and waterfront for over a century. Today, World Business Chicago is seeking the next transformative idea to shape the city’s future through the ‘Horizon Lines’ open design contest. This spring, approximately 200 participants submitted daring visions for Chicago in 2050, with concepts ranging from islands in Lake Michigan to themed public toilets. Six ideas have been selected as finalists for a $5,000 prize and possible future development.
Green City Rising: Chicago’s Living Network of Neighborhood Arboreta
The Morton Arboretum wants to create a network of mini-forests in city neighborhoods, reviving Chicago’s motto ‘Urbs in Horto,’ meaning city in a garden. This proposal emphasizes increasing the forest canopy in an urban landscape dominated by skyscrapers. “People love trees,” stated Elle Rampel, chief of staff at World Business Chicago, highlighting the plan’s potential to bring nature back into the city.
The Third Frontage Initiative
This initiative aims to transform Chicago’s 1,900-mile alley network, long occupied by garbage trucks and rodents, into vibrant neighborhood streetscapes. Chicago architecture firms Gensler and Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill propose converting unused garages into housing and adding green spaces. “Chicago’s next great public realm may already exist, hidden in plain sight,” wrote plan authors Tian Ouyang and Yibin Yang.
Repairing the Scars of the Interstate Highway Era
The Metropolitan Planning Council proposes covering below-grade stretches of the Dan Ryan and Eisenhower expressways with green spaces. This concept would turn these highways into tunnels with pedestrian-friendly parkways above, linking previously divided communities. Similar to Boston’s Big Dig, this plan aspires to repurpose and revitalize urban areas.
Wonderways: Reimagining Chicago’s Boulevards as a Network of Climate Commons
Chicago design firm MKSK suggests reimagining the boulevards as a network of ecological landscapes connecting city parks. By expanding tree canopies, restoring natural habitats, and creating active recreational trails, this plan seeks to enhance Chicago’s famous green boulevards.
AgriFlats
Wheeler Kearns Architects propose turning Chicago food deserts into urban agricultural zones, hosting growers in interconnected greenhouses. This initiative aims to establish a food district offering 1-acre greenhouses and living quarters, creating jobs and supplying fresh produce to local markets and restaurants. The concept draws inspiration from successful urban farms like Brooklyn-based Gotham Greens.
Re-Loop, The Living Mile
The Re-Loop Vision Coalition imagines a South Side tourist district built from recycled materials, with sculptures made from crushed CTA rail steel and food stalls. Located near Rate Field, this idea seeks to turn undeveloped land into a popular destination, potentially reviving tourism in the area.
World Business Chicago will announce the winning concept on Sept. 15. The Cultural Center exhibit, open until Sept. 20, invites public feedback and showcases other notable submissions, including proposals from prominent architecture firms like Perkins & Will. These ideas reflect a commitment to Chicago’s design heritage of ambitious plans.
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