21-Jul-16 – From Oak Street all the way south to Roosevelt Road, flowers planted in the medians of Michigan Avenue, and now in full bloom, are literally a work of art.

The landscaping is inspired by the work of Chicago artist Phyllis Bramson, whose paintings and sculptures date back to the 1970s and have been exhibited internationally. Her work is currently on display at Chicago Cultural Center.

Pamela Self Landscape Architecture met with Bramson (right) and through interviews, visits to her studio, and other analysis, produced a living, landscape interpretation of her artwork. Chicago Department of Transportation, which hired Pamela Self and her four-person staff for the Michigan Avenue project, says the landscaping reflects the “curving natural forms and fanciful imagery” of Bramson’s work.

“Bramson’s style has translated extremely well into a living palette of flowers and greenery that can be enjoyed by passersby who may not have time to visit her exhibit,” says Kris Sorich, CDOT’s Senior Landscape Architect.

There are 37 different species of plants in the Michigan Avenue medians. Taller plants with bolder foliage provide structure, medium-sized plants fill areas around the taller plants, and smaller plants spill over the edges.

CDOT maintains 85 miles of landscaped medians in Chicago.