MARJORIE VERLIN
This figure-ground map shows the various districts of the Lakeview neighborhood located on Chicago’s north side. The main thoroughfares running north and south (from left to right) are N. Halsted, N. Broadway, and Lakeshore Dr. The highlighted block is bound by W. Cornelia Ave, N. Pine Ave, W. Brompton Ave, and Lakeshore Drive. The area to the west is Lake Michigan.
Facing east, this arial photograph highlights a single block of residential housing along Lakeshore Dr. Two large, privately owned condo buildings are followed by eight U-shaped structures in the style of the Chicago Courtyard building. West of Lakeshore Dr. is Belmont Harbor. Flowing directly into Lake Michigan, the harbor offers 818 slips accommodating boats from 28’-80’+ in length.
This diagram shows the layers of city infrastructure and development comprising a single residential block in Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood.
Street signs, bus stops, cross walks, and street lights (every 45’) are shown, as well as arrows indicating traffic flow. With eight lanes and three separate streets, Lakeshore Drive serves as a main thoroughfare on the westernmost edge of the city. Circulating around the blocks are single-lane one-way streets. Across from the traffic is Belmont Harbor and Lakefront Trail. Lakefront Trail traverses 13 neighborhoods and connects all four of Chicago’s major water parks.
In this sequence, the block of 3500 Lakeshore Dr. is transformed into the new host site of a lively evening street fair. To add character to the space, the pavement has been given a brick facade and the building has been painted in colorful stripes. A bold staircase leading to a hypothetical overpass or rooftop deck serves as the support for a large sign that reads, “Choose Love in Chicago”. Street vendors and public restrooms have been added, as well as a street lamp and miniature greenhouse.