Shedd Gardens Experience

The Leadership Team discussed Shedd’s expectations and defined the scope of the project: a portfolio of designs for future implementation when the outdoor space is renovated. The project must reflect Shedd’s Mission, with an emphasis on native species and conservation, and provide education for all ages.

We visited the site to get to know the client and their mission, as well as determine the scale and topography of the space.

The project was divided project into five sub-categories that focus on specific elements Shedd was looking for: event spaces, outdoor dining, learning garden, animal interaction, and nature play. 

I ran a brainstorming session for Nature Play to develop ideas for themes, storylines, and physical features we could bring to the outdoor space to encourage people of all ages to play and interact with nature. Decided to focus on marine life to be cohesive with the aquarium and provide a different experience than typical parks.

The Nature Play Sub-Team developed a theme for Nature Play: exploring underwater life through depth and time. This would focus our designs to be cohesive and tell a story, while communicating that we were keeping in mind that we were designing for all four seasons.

We researched native species, ADA requirements, playground safety and other pertinent information to create informed decisions when designing elements that would be implemented at Shedd. Physical features included a native plant garden, a water feature, and a coral reef-themed play area. To show the energy present in nature, a wind sculpture and water wheel were included. A limitation of the project was that live animals could not be brought outside, so fossils, shells, and models were used instead.

I created an initial site plan and mood board to present to the full project team and clients for feedback.

I led the Nature Play Sub-Team in developing designs for physical features of our space. We discussed ideas and hammered out details in team meetings, then worked individually to capture our designs in drawings, CAD, and written reports. We used our research from Phase II to determine additional requirements for our designs to make them eco-friendly and accessible.

I worked with project leadership in jigsaw and theming meetings to ensure every sub-team’s designs were cohesive and would fit together in the physical space. This involved designing elements that would be present in all sub-team spaces, such as a sea glass barrier, which separates the gardens and the city bike path.

I also coordinated the content and focus of Nature Play with other sub-teams to ensure there was a balance of educational content and physical features were cohesive, but not repetitive.

The Nature Play team created a portfolio of drawings, CAD, storyboards, and research that fully defined all the features designed by the team. The final designs for all sub-teams was presented to Shedd staff and received an overwhelmingly positive response! 

“This is so grounded in our mission and vision - exceptional!” - Elizabeth Nelson, Shedd Project Coordinator

“This is amazing work, inspiring and simply fabulous!” - Jaclyn Wegner, Shedd Staff