"Adding Green To Urban Design" presents a rationale, a vision and a detailed implementation strategy for economically sound and environmentally sustainable urban design.

Urban design includes all exterior elements from the skin of the building to the street, including roofs, facades, yards, landscapes, open spaces, parkways, driveways, sidewalks, alleys and roadways. It is defined as those elements that are exposed to the environment and that affect the environment.

The plan is intended to provide direction to the Chicago City Council in regulating urban design and to the Chicago Plan Commission in reviewing individual development projects. It is also expected to guide the Chicago City Council and city departments in making decisions about public investment and improving Chicago’s built environment.

The plan began with eight city departments and public agencies meeting to review existing ordinances and practices that affect urban design. The discussion broadened between September 2006 and March 2007 to identify critical issues, suggest solutions and lay the groundwork for the plan. More than 50 professionals from outside City government contributed a combined 230 hours of pro bono time to the process.

Adding Green to Urban Design