Share on Social Media

Old Town Park in Chicago, IL, USA

Prize(s) Honorable Mentions

Company Integral Group

Lead Designers Ellie Niakan

Other Designer's names Chung Ho

Client ONNI Group, Brian Brodeur and Paul Purewal

Photo Credits Nick Fochtman

Completion Date 2021- 3rd Quarter

Project Location Chicago-Illinois

Entry Description

OTP is a new park in Old Town Chicago neighborhood—famous for its history. It includes pathways, playground, dog park, and lawns. The landscape combines curved lines and hard edges, featuring 29 Maple trees planted as a ribbon in the middle of the park running east to west. The lighting concept embraces the history of the Old Town, connecting landscape and contemporary architecture.
To highlight the tree ribbon, 26 original lanterns were designed and manufactured. The design of custom poles and shades was inspired by 4 famous Old Town iron gates and Victorian ornamental iron works.

They are set between the tree ribbon and are comprised of seamless laser-cut globes, hanging from 3 different height tilted poles. The pattern on the lanterns is the logo of the development relating to the surrounding plant species. The poles have hard angles relating to the sharp shapes of the buildings while the spheres connects to the soft lines in the landscaping. The lanterns appear to float in the air as they illuminate the tree leaves softly.
Walkways are illuminated by simple bollards and the lawns have been left dark to create a visual balance in the space highlight the site hierarchy.