WE ENGAGE IMAGINATIONS
Initially conceived as an activation for vacant retail locations along the Chicago Pedway, Rest Stop is an experiential pop-up concept that provides an interactive, immersive, and unique experience for the public. Rest Stop responds to the conditions of its surroundings —whether that be changing seasons, harsh weather, the challenges of urban life, etc.— to offer a distinctive environment that can rejuvenate, be an escape, bring people together, increase mindfulness, or help find a moment of fun and playfulness.
Chicago’s Pedway consists of a series of interconnected tunnels and bridges that allow for pedestrians to travel between several buildings in and around Chicago’s Loop without having to head outdoors. The tunnels connect to buildings at their basement levels, which often have unused or underused spaces. Currently, Pedway usage is not optimized for the general public due to several factors including insufficient signage and difficult navigation, poor lighting, general lack of knowledge among tourists, city visitors, and city dwellers, etc.
REST STOP
Pop-Up Experience
REST STOP EXPERIENCES
Forest Bathing
Pop-Up Experience:
A full submersion into nature allowing the brain to reset and benefit from the healing power of nature and the color green
Oasis
Pop-up Experience:
An escape from the harsh Chicago winter weather - a fun and artful place to take a break, enjoy drinks, and make new friends.
Sunset Room
Pop-up Experience:
An inspiring and mindful sensory experience that hugs you in calming light, sounds, and soft, inviting textures.
PROPOSED PROJECT: Pedway Pop-ups
LOCATION: Downtown Chicago
Beyond Rest Stop, Common Place Projects has explored the potential of the Chicago Pedway system and envisions a larger revitalization and reimagining that creates a place which serves the community, invites economic growth, and draws visitors from around the world.
Pedway Pop-ups seeks to activate vacant spaces along the Chicago Pedway to drive foot traffic, generate economic opportunities, and inspire community. Common Place Projects envisions the spaces being activated with a variety of pop-up experiences. For example, retail pop-ups, like MISC., could be a platform to showcase products from the local maker community or Chicago’s small businesses. Experiential pop-ups, like Rest Stop, could provide interactive, immersive, and unique experiences to shoppers and pedestrians. Cultural pop-ups could include galleries, workshops, talks, performances, and other programming. And, community service pop-ups could allow for libraries, clinics, and more. With ongoing activations and programming and an impactful marketing campaign, the Pedway would not only become a better transit system but would also become a destination for culture, community services, shopping, hospitality, entertainment, education, etc. —and could become a collective space that enriches Chicago for everyone.
ADDITIONAL PEDWAY ACTIVATIONS
PEDWAY MAP & CURRENT SITE
BEYOND THE PEDWAY:
WHERE ELSE CAN YOU CREATE A REST STOP?
The opportunity to initiate these types of pop-up experiences (forest bathing, oasis, sunset room, and more) isn't just limited to the Pedway —there are so many other environments where Rest Stop can have a significant impact.
