Planter Project
Role: Lead Designer/Teaching Artist
Lawndale Civic Design (LCD) Program
School of the Art Institute @ Homan Square
Lawndale Civic Design (LCD) Program
School of the Art Institute @ Homan Square
Lawndale Civic Design is a program that centers on the power of creative design within the community. Our YOUTH initiative empowers young individuals to engage in hands- on projects that blend their imaginative concepts with real-world implementation. Through this program, participants will gain invaluable experience in navigating budget considerations, fostering collaborative teamwork, and actively involving the community. By experimenting with physical materials and understanding city regulations, interns will develop a comprehensive grasp of the civic design process, turning their visions into tangible contributions within Lawndale.
The team of 11 youth designers is thrilled to present this year's summer project, "The Planter Project," which not only addresses current community needs but also honors Lawndale's rich housing history. Through engaging with the community, we identified three crucial aspects: access to Lawndale's historiography, availability of food/plants, and a desire for artistic expression at home.
As part of the Lawndale Civic Design program, our students have learned and embraced the civic design process. They have empathized with the community, defined its needs, brainstormed innovative solutions, and tested design- based interventions through prototypes. After a rigorous vetting process, the LCD team explored several potential projects before ultimately focusing on the creation of our Graystone Planters.
As part of the Lawndale Civic Design program, our students have learned and embraced the civic design process. They have empathized with the community, defined its needs, brainstormed innovative solutions, and tested design- based interventions through prototypes. After a rigorous vetting process, the LCD team explored several potential projects before ultimately focusing on the creation of our Graystone Planters.
These hand-crafted planters hold a deeper significance. By giving them away to community members, we aim to foster a stronger connection with nature, allowing residents to introduce more greenery into their homes. Moreover, our project pays homage to Lawndale's historic architecture, as it embraces the classic greystone two-flats that have been a significant part of the neighborhood's housing history.
In this way, "The Planter Project" becomes not only a means to enhance the aesthetics of Lawndale but also a reflection of the neighborhood's past and an inspiration for its future. We are excited to contribute to the community's well-being and its appreciation of its unique housing heritage.
In this way, "The Planter Project" becomes not only a means to enhance the aesthetics of Lawndale but also a reflection of the neighborhood's past and an inspiration for its future. We are excited to contribute to the community's well-being and its appreciation of its unique housing heritage.
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