the graham foundation is pleased to present the available city, part of the fourth edition of the chicago architecture biennial (cab). this edition marks a new approach to the biennial model, bridging the traditional exhibition format to a deeper engagement with the community to expand access and impact. offering opportunities to discover installations, exhibitions, and programs that explore transformative possibilities for vacant spaces in communities worldwide. the available city is curated by designer, researcher, and educator david brown. as artistic director, brown activates his ongoing, decade-long research project to document and reimagine new futures for vacant lots in american cities, including the more than 10,000 city-owned vacant lots in chicago. with over 80 contributors from more than 18 countries, and more than 100 cultural partners, the available city includes 15 site-specific architectural installations: located on public and private lots located in chicago’s neighborhoods of north lawndale, bronzeville, woodlawn, englewood, pilsen, and the south loop. there are also two exhibition-based explorations located in an unused storefront space in bronzeville and at the graham foundation.
the north lawndale bike box is a community space and place where residents can borrow bikes (free of charge), fix bikes, and even purchase bikes to help mobilize the village toward healthy lifestyles and community transportation access. the north lawndale bike box is a partnership of many community organizations and managed by both the young men’s educational network and working bikes. one of the organizations is ymen, a dynamic youth leadership organization in the north lawndale community on chicago’s west side established in 1996 to address academic, social, and financial needs that cripple the futures of many young people in north lawndale, particularly young men ages 10-18. ymen’s comprehensive programs offer a range of educational support, long-term group mentoring, vocational/career classes, fine arts, entrepreneurship, and service learning to more than 300 students & their families annually.
neighborhood: north lawndale
site address: 1241 south pulaski road
hours to visit: daily, 12-5pm. bike box operations take place on mondays and thursdays from 12-5pm.
project by: sekou cooke studio
visit the [ chicago architecture biennial ] to explore more about the biennial, what is on view throughout the city, and upcoming programs and events. look for DesignApplause to spell out these events in weekly separate articles.
[ upcoming programming! ] #cab21 #chicagoarchitecturebiennial
photography by gloria araya
this is a developing story…