The recent “Horizon Lines” design contest, organized by World Business Chicago, awarded two complementary proposals focused on enhancing the city’s greenery. The winners, The Morton Arboretum and design firm MKSK, each received $5,000 and opportunities to collaborate with stakeholders to bring their ideas to fruition.
Winning Proposals:
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Green City Rising: Proposed by The Morton Arboretum, this initiative aims to establish a network of mini-forests throughout Chicago, each reflecting the unique characteristics of its surrounding community.
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Wonderways!: Offered by MKSK, this plan seeks to transform Chicago’s historical boulevard system into a network of restored prairies and wooded landscapes connecting city parks.
Phil Clement, CEO of World Business Chicago, highlighted the potential of these projects to create a more connected and greener urban environment. The proposals emerged from a pool of nearly 200 submissions, showcasing innovative visions for the future of Chicago.
While the proposals won recognition, they currently lack formal implementation strategies, necessitating funding, feasibility studies, and city approvals to advance their goals. The contest reflects a broader ambition to prioritize nature in urban development, akin to Daniel Burnham’s influential 1909 Plan of Chicago.
Andrea Sáenz from The Chicago Community Trust emphasized the synergistic potential of the two winning ideas, celebrating their collective vision for enhancing community connection with nature.
