Chicago skyline, lake Michigan
The Chicago skyline could soon be lit up at night, if a new design competition comes to fruition.
©AFP PHOTO/JEFF HAYNES
(Relaxnews) – Chicago could soon overtake Paris to become the new City of Light, if Mayor Rahm Emanuel has his way.
At a recent public talk, Emanuel announced plans for a new international design competition to find ways to illuminate the Windy City’s architectural landmarks in a bid to boost tourism.
The competition, set to launch at the end of January, will be open to artists, architects, planners and designers from around the world. The initiative will begin with the Chicago River and extend throughout the city, seeking ways to use light installations as a way to invigorate the city at night.
“Since taking office, I have been focused on tourism as a key driver of our economy and an area in which we needed a comprehensive strategy and focus,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Now is the time for us to continue that growth, including focusing on iconic events and opportunities that will place Chicago at the center of the global conversation.”
The project could see Chicago’s architectural gems including its skyscrapers, Frank Lloyd Wright houses and bridges lit up for the world to see.
Since Emanuel came to office two years ago, the Midwestern metropolis has seen tourism rise from 40 million to 46 million visitors per year. His goal is to boost that number to 55 million per year by 2020.
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