The Available City Workshops

As a part of the 2021 program CAB will host a series of ten workshops led by local and global architects, artists, and educators that explore the notion of The Available City within an expanded, global context that considers an array of “available” spaces in Chicago. The workshops provide a space to collectively and collaboratively identify new forms of urban design and planning that aim to sustainably and equitably preserve open spaces within communities

Through the workshop series and broader public engagement, Artistic Director David Brown’s efforts will bring together local residents, students, designers, and others to engage in the process of The Available City through exploratory conversations about how vacant collective spaces can be reimagined as community assets. Workshop and program participants will consider questions such as: What actions and policies led us to this abundance of vacant space? What are the histories behind these currently vacant spaces? Why is it important that the power to transform these spaces is placed in the hands of local residents? How can work being done in Chicago serve as an example for cities around the world?

The workshops use the model of the design charrette—a meeting in which all stakeholders in a project attempt to resolve conflicts and map solutions—as a critical step in the process of supporting community-based design. These workshops aim to transform the perception of vacant city lots and inspire ideas for vibrant, shared community spaces.

Workshops are possible with the generous support from Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.