Inequality

The park, open and free to the public, contains an outdoor theater pavilion designed by Frank Gehry, a cycle center and an ice rink, as well as world-class public art. One of these works of art is the Crown Fountain, conceived by artist Jaume Plensa, executed by Krueck and Sexton Architects and completed in 2004. The work consists of two 50-foot glass brick towers separated by a black granite reflecting pool. During the summer months water cascades down three of the sides of the towers. Embedded LED lights turn the two sides facing each other into huge video screens upon which the faces of everyday residents are displayed. At certain moments the person’s image will pucker their lips and water shoots out of their mouth.

The work was designed to actively engage the visitor so the plaza is often filled with excited children and adventurous adults cooling down in the fountains’ spray. The screens project 1,000 different images of Chicagoans in a random loop for five minutes each. The intention is to portray the sociocultural make up of the city by continually updating the images. The images face each other across the plaza — appearing to have a conversation with one another. The images are never of politicians, sports figures or movie stars but rather highlight the millions of unsung residents that silently make the city what it is. We are accustomed to seeing the rich and famous being given this kind of attention. However, there is something incredible about seeing the faces of everyday people projected on these enormous screens. It is an empowering and hopeful place for many.