BP Design Competition: The winning entries

The BP Design Competition challenged CPS students to design a pocket park less than a half-acre in size and within a 10-minute walk of every home in the Dunning, Chicago Lawn, or Roseland community areas in the city of Chicago.

The Chicago Architecture Center hosted the local ideas competition in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Biennial, the first of its kind in North America. The Biennial’s theme, “The State of the Art of Architecture,” provides a platform for creative minds to explore how our day-to-day lives can be transformed by the built environment. Here, we’re taking a closer look at how pocket park plans by inspired CPS students might transform the lives of others.

Winners

FIRST PLACE

Daniel Burnham Park
Aylen Pacheco
Marie Sklodowska Curie Metropolitan High School
Teacher: Mr. Paul Joanes
Grade: Senior (12)

"The appearance of a neighborhood definitely says something about it. If a neighborhood looks underdeveloped, then it is more likely to drive people away rather than bring people in. A community should always look forward to change...and I think that pocket parks have a great opportunity to help the communities in Chicago."

SECOND PLACE

Komensky Park
Christopher Mena
Marie Sklodowska Curie Metropolitan High School
Teacher: Mr. Paul Joanes
Grade: Senior (12)

"I see a strong need for a pocket park in West Lawn. This park includes everything from open space for play to a relaxing environment to read or talk. This pocket park will encourage [neighbors] to get out of the house and interact with each other...to better the community and enrich the area."

THIRD PLACE

Abstract Park
Jose Ruan
Marie Sklodowska Curie Metropolitan High School
Teacher: Mr. Paul Joanes
Grade: Senior (12)

"Abstract Park [is a] community park for all ages, with created designs to inspire the entire community. We had to think about the overall family, so we created things like the underground chalk wall, or the hill with seating, to allow families to enjoy the park [together]."