The Second City

This project contends with the competing and overlaid desires for the McCormick Center by creating a new tourist destination and scenario-planning infrastructure from the existing architecture. On the roof of the Center, a 1:25 miniature replica of Chicago is constructed. A clear mound protects the model, provides space for artificial weather equipment and creates unexpected visual connections between both Chicagos. Within the mound, the model acts as a simulator for various future scenarios. Consequences of global warming, new construction, earthquakes, fires, asteroid impacts, tornados, blizzards etc. are tested repeatedly while appropriate action plans are calculated. On the exterior, the mound presents a new urban landmark along Lake Shore Drive, provides space for new lake shore activities, and redirects views through and around the existing building. The desire and plan to secure the waterfront for public access and parkland is directly attributable to Daniel Burnham and the 1909 Chicago Plan. At the time, nature and the city were conceived as separate, complementary entities. The opportunity to get away from the city and into nature was believed to cleanse the spirit and the attempts to “aerate” the urban fabric were to let it “breath.” Nature injections within the vast artificial construction were thought to cure urban ills. This proposal updates this urban operation manual with a new unnatural natural landmark. A 1/25th scale snowglobe enhancement surgery for the city. The story of the project is primarily told through the visitor information documents. These include maps, promotional material and merchandise catalogs. It is a National Geographic exploration of an urban nature, archeology and anthropology. “Our rich history is a testament to the quality of experience you will have on your visit. Did you know that we weren’t always a place for tourism? That’s right, the whole phenomenon began as a scientific experiment! Since those days we have become the largest tourist destination in Chicago and all of the Midwest. We have more visitors per year than the entirety of the attractions in the full-sized Chicago combined. We also hold the illustrious title of being the WORLD’S LARGEST MINIATURE. At first, the SECOND NATURE simulator was more of a scientific instrument than a spectacle engine. It accelerated the forces of nature to better visualize and prepare for what the future holds. However, over the course of a few years, a group of bystanders noticed what was happening and became curious. They told their friends and the city simulator quickly became a major tourist attraction. People just couldn’t stop watching the city being transformed at this unnatural pace.”

Volume Editors
Ikhlas Sabouni & Jorge Vanegas