Hope is Born Again
My family recently had a chance to experience a love letter to the southside of Chicago during the opening weekend for the Obama Presidential Center. This stunning 19-acre campus features a museum, library, gardens, recreational areas, Home Court and beautifully landscaped walking and cycling paths that are connected to Lake Michigan.
Architecture enlivens the spirit and touches the soul, and I was fully immersed in the joyful atmosphere as we walked through meaningful exhibits, festive activities, outdoor plazas and carefully curated gardens. Design is displayed in every detail from material choice, visual artwork and signage selection to plants and play structures, this campus exudes intentional thoughtfulness that reflects belonging for all.
One of the highlights for me was a lecture on “The Making of the OPC” from the design team of Tod Williams, FAIA and Billie Tsien, FAIA of Tod Williams and Billie Tsien Architects, Renauld Deandre Mitchell, AIA of Moody Nolan and landscape architect Matthew Bird, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates. Some key design takeaways from their team:
As life-long public servants, how would the values of President Obama and Mrs. Obama be displayed in the built environment
You don’t think by theory you think in plan and how people experience buildings from the inside
Buildings are made to serve people so how do we make architecture for others
How the landscaping envelops the building to create engaging and accessible public spaces
Ensuring that Home Court had a welcoming façade as it’s the gate to the South Side
The image of the building is the truth of the building
I enjoyed hearing about how the team visited various quarries to ensure that the right granite was chosen for its properties of durability and light reflectiveness for the exterior façade as well as how the colors and type of playground equipment symbolized the biosphere of the surrounding ecosystem. Trees from the site were removed and reincorporated into the site post construction thereby connecting history to the present. These were just a few of the many ways in which critical decision thinking enhances visitors spatial experience.
Apart from the awe-inspiring architecture, I smiled and shed a tear or two as I experienced the museum. Hearing President Obama’s speeches, reading about the history of our democracy and words etched on the ceiling of the Nelson Mandela Skyroom, watching children sit at the desk in the replica of the Oval Office and seeing the displays of cultural artifacts gifted from around the world and of course can’t forget Mrs. Obama’s dresses are powerful reminders of what is true, noble, right and lovely.
Hope is definitely born again at the OPC. It is a place where one can learn, laugh, cry, create and reflect all at the same time! I left inspired to be better and do better. As an architect, it certainly caused me to think about how I can ensure that the projects I create are for and in service of others.
To Michael Strautmanis and the OPC team, yes you did! Your leadership in creating the OPC is truly a gift and labor of love to the city of Chicago and the world. OPC is a shining example of the servant leadership of the Obama’s displayed in the built environment and its impact and legacy will be shared for generations to come.
And to my dearest friend, Damona Strautmanis, to share this extraordinary experience with you is priceless! You are a brilliant and bright light in this world. Keep shining!
