NeighborSpace is an unsung hero in the creation of vibrant outdoor community spaces in Chicago. Many –if not most– of the neighborhood gardens you see in Chicago are supported by NeighborSpace.

This project was led by artists and NeighborSpace Stewards Natalie Perkins and Yaritza Guillen. Natalie & Yari conducted an intergenerational design partnership with students and residents of the South Shore community with the goal of enhancing the capacity of the garden by providing shade and wind protection, while creating a sense of openness, beauty, and welcoming.

As the concept designer, I met with the team, spent time in the garden, and studied the patterns of sunlight and wind through the seasons. The design of the roof is meant to evoke the feeling of tipping your hat down to keep the August sun out of your eyes.

I created a maquette from a single sheet of folded paper and then brought that form into SketchUp where I generated several models for the team to review.

Pergola construction by Jason Amantecatl Berumen with support from Courtney Lotus Pearson.
Aluminum Sliding panels design and fabrication led by Brian K. Ellison with support from teaching artist Khaaliq Haneef, the students at O'Keefe Elementary, and art teacher Deidre Turner.

Special thanks to DCASE and We Will Chicago.