A Broken Link: Reconnecting Chicago’s Peripheral Infrastructure

Research by: Max Jarosz

This project investigated the deterioration of the industrial chain throughout the south side of Chicago. Its breakdown has led to a shrinking economy for the south side and seriously questions Chicago’s ability to remain an infrastructural hub for the nation. This project proposes to reconnect this chain and in the process plan for a long-term solution to Chicago’s shipping infrastructure. Located in the heart of some of the most violent neighborhoods, a center was chosen based on its proximity to many existing infrastructure lines, trains, highways, public transit, and the fading emerald necklace. By starting with this hub as a catalyst this project leverages the expansion and development of an infrastructural architecture to create a new intertwined public space to improve the conditions of the local community. The basis for this project results from understanding existing city policy and using incentives provided by the city to fund major portions of the project.