SITE DESIGN & GARDEN SPACES

A GARDEN FOR ALL

Anchoring AIDS Garden Chicago is the 30-foot rendition of ‘Self-Portrait,’ the iconic sculpture by late artist and activist Keith Haring. The surrounding Garden includes pocket areas designed for reflection, education, honor, and pride.

Visitors are guided with markers and milestones through a variety of intimate and collective garden spaces all providing a sensory nature experience, the most notable being a memorable grove of Gingko trees and a perennial garden of natural plantings at the entrance. A serpentine path is the site for future temporary art installations and programming organized by community partners.

A

MAIN GARDEN ENTRANCE

An inviting space with artistically located limestone boulders along an entrance wall under the shade of a Gingko tree.

B

GARDEN ACCESS

Secondary entries into the garden. Parking access with ornamental planting beds.

C

EDUCATION WALK

A serpentine walk with colored concrete bands located at intervals to signify important moments in Chicago’s fight against the epidemic. An educational element for the visitors.

D

HEALING GARDEN

Planting beds at the confluence of the paths will be an opportunity for the community to participate in gardening and activities throughout the year.

E

REFLECTION COURT

Informal seating under the Gingko grove will provide visitors a quiet place to reflect.

F

CELEBRATION LAWN

With the sculpture as the focal point, the oval walk has colored concrete bands in the pattern of sun-rays. The pattern is continued into the lawn area where strategically located boulders bring back the memories of the Belmont Rocks.