Make No Little Plans: Daniel Burnham and the American City

Director Judith McBrien appears in person for the Chicago theatrical premiere of her feature-length documentary. McBrien will introduce the movie and participate in an audience discussion afterward. The film—narrated by Joan Allen—explores the fascinating life and complex legacy of Daniel Hudson Burnham and how his vision to organize the chaos of 19th century America shaped the nation's towns and cities for generations.

“His acclaimed visionary plan for Chicago was architect Daniel Burnham's career-capping legacy, but Make No Little Plans reveals much more about the man, his prolific design work and his lasting influence. Director McBrien casts a compassionate aura over this personal account of Burnham's life, shaped by the practical tenets of his Swedenborgian faith and fueled by the energy of Chicago's rapid rise from the ashes of the 1871 fire. The film details little-known aspects of the architect's career, as well as his finest achievements including the Monadnock and Rookery buildings, the construction of the 1893 Columbian Exposition and city planning work for Washington, D.C., Cleveland, San Francisco and Manila.”

 
The film is produced by The Archimedia Workshop in consultation with Kartemquin Films. Click here to view a video preview.