West Garfield Park Revitalization
Landscape Urbanism Spring Semester
School of Architecture UIC 2003
Prof. Xavier Vendrell

A perceptible process of de-urbanization is taking place in West Garfield Park.
Abandon lots abound in this degraded landscape. They should be considered available land, opportunity moments, and valid community resources. The present proposal “injects” green programs into these empty spaces as catalyzers for a process of re-densification. The superposition and interaction of these activities will shape re-development over time, structuring a new urban identity for Garfield Park. Landscape will form the medium through which future development will be conceived.  Trees rather than buildings will serve as the catalyst of re-urbanization.

 

Green Infill
Community-based organizations, cooperatives, NGO’s, micro-business entrepreneurs would take advantages of current city, state and federal funds and resources for soil recovery, urban forestry and community planting activities. As part of a community-based forestry program, a set of simple rules will form a variety of green programs. Based on a lot-by-lot strategy, these small-scale low-tech economic developments will reweave the urban fabric, reshaping the community and the urban environment. These forestry programs are means for creating and sustaining community confidence while transforming the every day appearance of the neighborhood, improving perceptions, and land value.