Jackson Park | Chicago
THE GARDEN OF THE PHOENIX
VISION 130
INTRODUCTION
In 2023, for the 130th Anniversary, the Garden of the Phoenix Foundation has published Vision 130 as a guide to inform major improvements in the Garden of the Phoenix, as well as various education, revitalization, and sustainability projects now and in the future.
The objectives include:
Promote the Garden of the Phoenix as a world-class Japanese Garden.
Respond to increased visitation to the park and ensure safety and security.
Announce the Garden of the Phoenix’s presence through improved signage and wayfinding.
Maintain The Garden of the Phoenix as publicly accessible while solving maintenance and safety concerns.
Strengthen relationship between the Japanese garden and SKYLANDING as a unified experience.
Enhance and preserve a sense of intimacy that defines the Garden of the Phoenix and makes it a refuge within the city.
Celebrate SKYLANDING as a monumental public artwork.
Honor the past while looking to the future.
CONSTRAINTS
OPPORTUNITIES
DESIGN HISTORY
During the determination of constraints and opportunities, an extensive study was completed of the historic designs of the Garden of the Phoenix, including: (1) 1893 design by Kakuzo Okakura and Masamichi Kuru, (2) 1935 Japanese Garden designed by E. V. Buchsbaum and Robert E. Moore, Jr., (3) 1980 design by Kaneji Domoto, (4) 1995 design by Koichi Kobayashi, (5) 2001 concept design by Sadafumi Uchiyama, (6) 2013-19 designs by Yoko Ono, and (7) 2019 design by Kazuo Mitsuhashi.
“As living forms, gardens are never finished, and their condition is a reflection upon those who care for them.”
FUNDING VISION 130
For generations, Chicago has upheld its commitment to Japan made on March 31, 1893 to maintain the site on the Wooded Island in Jackson Park in perpetuity as a place to learn about Japan and experience Japanese culture.
Vision 130: A Guide to the Future is funded by Chicago leaders involved in various aspects of U.S.-Japan relations. Their intention is to support the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District to developed and maintained the site in a manner commensurate with its status and Chicago’s 1893 commitment.
THE FOUNDATION
The Garden of the Phoenix Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that partners with the Chicago Park District and other organizations to ensure that the 1893 commitment to maintain the Garden of the Phoenix as a permanent and extraordinary place for visitors to learn about Japan and experience Japanese culture is fulfilled now and for generations to come.