Communities aren't stagnant; they are constantly changing because of the differences in the values of the residents. These changes create a new identity. Located on the Southside of Chicago, Illinois, Woodlawn was once considered a “community of last resort” because of the years of disinvestment. However, the residents of the neighborhood collectively worked together to make Woodlawn more visually appealing. What was once a neighborhood consumed by abandoned lots is now one full of gardens that create a space for social cohesion and renovated buildings. However, the spaces that remain abandoned and the buildings that still stand are rich in character and illustrate what the neighborhood was like in the past.
Woodlawn is a project that explores my perspective of the neighborhood that I have called home for fifteen years. While focusing on and appreciating all of the different characteristics of my community, urban greenery became relevant. It creates a sense of inclusivity and nurture in a neighborhood. Each area illustrates traces of the inhabitants of this community and those that have lived there before. By exploring these different spaces, I aim to bring attention to the way greenery elevates urban neighborhoods.