STUDIO V: Seed, Root, and Vine
From a seed, roots and vines grow both literally and metaphorically, connecting the community of Pullman, Chicago to itself and to nature through this seed library. The roots become bricks, solid and stable, representing the strong Pullman Community. From the roots grow the vines, displaying collections of seeds, art, and books on brick shelves, sprouting connections to nature. The Seed Library becomes a connection point between the community of Pullman, Chicago and many of the surrounding landmarks and gardens. This connection is reflected in the massing of the building. The existing building, the Historic Pullman Visitor’s Center, acts as the center point of the two forms weaving in and out of the structure. The spaces created between them hold the programming for the seed library, including meeting rooms, event spaces, seed sorting and drying, library stacks, and administrative support spaces. The exterior spaces created between the massive brick wall and the screen wall become outdoor gathering and gardening areas. They are connected through the three entrances, all leading to a central reading and lending room in the existing building.