The Burnham Plan Centennial - Bold Plans, Big Dreams

Calendar & Projects

Performance; Media

Ongoing Initiatives

Virtual Burnham Initiative

Lake Forest College

Lake Forest College’s Virtual Burnham Initiative (VBI) will transform key elements of the 1909 Plan of Chicago into 3-D models accessible through the ever-popular Google Earth. [MORE]

Digital Burnham

Perkins&Will

Digital Burnham is an exploration of two conditions that exist in Chicago, one visible, the other invisible. The visible structure of Chicago is based on a series of urban layers, including Daniel Burnham's plan, which evolved during the mechanical age. This is Chicago's past, its rearview mirror as Marshall McLuhan would call it, in which most Chicagoans comfortably exist. The other condition, which is present yet invisible in the urban structure, is the series of connections and effects generated by electronic information media.

Without bounds or limits: An online exhibition of The Plan of Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago

One of the most striking- and uniquely American- aspects of the Plan was its idealistic belief in Chicago as a city without limits. The planners believed their city could become the most beautiful and prosperous in the world, and they inspired its citizens to undertake the challenge. [MORE]

Chicago Matters: Beyond Burnham

WBEZ Radio 91.5 FM

Chicago Matters: Beyond Burnham will examine the demands placed on the city and the region by the global economy. We’ll ask whether we possess all the elements to function as a global economic center in the coming decades. We’ll learn about the challenges and opportunities that our diverse residents and communities face when accessing our region’s many resources. We’ll explore the political, social and environmental questions important to our future place in the world. [MORE]

Chicago Matters: Beyond Burnham

WTTW Chicago

WTTW 11 will feature Chicago Matters: Beyond Burnham stories on its nightly newsmagazine Chicago Tonight every other Tuesday night throughout the year. One-hour specials will air in the spring and fall. Segments will examine regional issues through both field reporting and in-studio discussions. To view a listing of WTTW's Beyond Burnham programs click here. [MORE]

Chicago Matters: Beyond Burnham

The Chicago Reporter

Through the Chicago Matters: Beyond Burnham series The Chicago Reporter will provide its unique perspective and voice on the social, economic and political issues of metropolitan Chicago.  Reports, data analyses and storytelling will be captured in vivid magazine packages published in three bimonthly print editions, beginning with our July/August issue.  We will also use our blog and our Web site to break news, update previous stories, and comment on the content provided by our Chicago Matters media partners, WTTW 11, Chicago Public Radio and the Chicago Public Library. [MORE]

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