Peace and Quiet - Aon Center Courtyard

This place is kind of like a little lost treasure on Randolph Street. You probably passed by this courtyard a thousand times, but never knew it existed. The Aon Center Courtyard is kind of like a hidden jungle in the city. It includes trees, a couple waterfalls, a fountain, plants, shrubs and a cool Sound Sculpture by Harry Bertoia - all which can be found in jungles around the world. :/





















Above are one of the water falls that can be found here. Sitting next to this waterfall deafened the street noise and also help me clear my thoughts. The sound of water and only the sound of water calmed my stress down, helped me relax and think straight. I am going to visit this spot anytime I need to get out of the sun and cool down. I wrote a lot in my little journal - this can be a good place to study.

















At the bottom of the courtyard, I found a fountain and another cool waterfall. There are places to sit around the fountain and plenty of shade to get away from the sun. I can see myself grab some lunch and eat here.

















I'm amazed at what Chicago hides from us. This picture is pretty cool.





















This Sound Sculpture by Harry Bertoia kind of sounds like an inverted wind chime made out of metal rods. The sculpture makes sound as the wind blows the rods against each other. I describe the sound as eerie yet peaceful. Visit his website (click on the middle picture to hear the sound) to hear what kind sound I am trying to describe to you.



*Aon Center Courtyard
200 E. Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601

Hours: Anytime really, just have common sense.



*Address information taken from Chicago's 50 Best Places to find Peace and Quiet. For more information and reflections by Karin Horgan Sullivan, please purchase your copy of this great book at Rizzoli.