AVANT GARDEN
In the summer of 2011, the Office of Sustainability along with Planning + Design coordinated the conversion of a dormant green space area into a common space for interaction, production, and innovation. The project, called Avant Garden, was an unprecedented collaboration between the Smart Museum, Facilities Services, and Court Theatre. Over the course of a growing season, faculty, students, and staff actively participate in planting, maintaining, watering, harvesting, and winterizing the garden.
At the conclusion of the first season, a brief survey was sent to participants to assess the overall gardening experience and provide feedback. Overall, participants felt the garden strengthened their sense of volunteerism and involvement with the University, as well as increased their interaction with others on campus, outside of their department. Gardeners had a better sense of how to plant, grow, and harvest food and reported an increased interest in sustainability and locally sourced food.
Avant Garden is located on the east side of the Young Memorial Building - 5555 S. Ellis Avenue.
Please contact Kathleen Golomb, Manager of Campus Environment Design, Campus Planning + Sustainability at kmgolomb@uchicago.edu
LOGAN CENTER GARDEN
The Logan Center Garden is designed to build community, promote sustainability, and support the Logan Center's curricular, co-curricular, and community engagement arts programs. An important part of the University's Sustainability Initiative, the Logan Center Garden provides opportunities for faculty, students, and staff to personally engage in urban farming.
Plots are allocated on a yearly basis and may be renewed assuming that the gardener has contributed positively to the success of the garden the previous year. When plots become available, they will be allocated to the next person on the waiting list. Gardeners work together to manage and maintain the garden in partnership with the Logan Center and Facilities Services.
The garden is located in Logan Center's southern meadow, on the southeast corner of Ingleside between 60th and 61st Streets.
Please contact Lupé García Quíles, Logan Center Garden Coordinator at lgarciaquiles@uchicago.edu