The Plan of Chicago (Fall 2009)
“A concise and reader-friendly introduction to the visionary and ambitious plan that helped shape much of the Windy City as we know it today.” – Kevin Nance, Chicago Sun-Times
The Plan of Chicago: Daniel Burnham and the Remaking of the American City by Carl Smith (University Of Chicago Press, 2007)
The Plan of Chicago Overview
At the dawn of the 20th century, Chicago was in the prime of its adolescence: an unruly expanse of potential just waiting to be harnessed and channeled by masterful minds. Answering the call, Daniel Burnham and Edward H. Bennett worked with Chicago’s brightest minds to develop a plan that would make this city one of the greatest in the world.
Fast forward 100 years to today’s thriving metropolis, and you’ll find that Chicago’s residents are still responding to some of the same issues. And the 21st century generation has the additional responsibility of addressing new social, economic, and environmental challenges. However, thanks to advancements in digital technology and access to information, today’s young adults are the brightest mind for the job.
Over the course of six weeks, students from Chicago area high schools collaborated to develop their vision of a new plan for Chicago. Using Nokia® mobile devices (provided by the Pearson Foundation's Mobile Learning Institute), teens captured footage, photos, and interviews, and posted blogs to document the change they hoped to see in their communities. Armed with their research material, students tapped the resources at YOUmedia to produce 3D CAD drawings, mini-documentaries, original music, poetry, and visual art to prepare their ideas for a global audience at the United Nations World Habitat Day.
Digital City Planners
In the August 2009, 60 students set out to become Digital City Planners in marking the centennial of Daniel Burnham's Plan for Chicago. They researched, compared, contrasted, designed, photographed, and composed plans for the revitalization of their communities throughout the Chicagoland area.
Aside from a chance to be a voice for the often unheard, they were motivated by the chance to attend the United Nations World Habitat Day in Washington, D.C., and join the global conversation, "Planning Our Urban Futures." Based on their innovation and creativity, the following students were awarded this opportunity and selected to serve as student ambassadors and citizen journalists while in Washington.
Mark B.
"I have lived and been involved in Woodlawn for over 18 years. I am a dedicated member of the Woodlawn community who works toward improving people's relationships and beautifying the neighborhood."
David W.
"I reside in an area bordering North Kenwood, Woodlawn, and Hyde Park.
I believe that nothing in nature grows without seeds at first being planted. Nothing in life flourishes without dreams at first being created."
Shani E.
"I live in the South Shore community, and I believe that our plan to beautify the community by incorporating art in the area will inspire people in the community and allow them to take ownership of their environment."
Shannon J.
"I live in the Chatham community, and I feel that art can change the community by bringing people together."
Digital City Planner: Life1909 - Art Inspires! from Shani Edmond on Vimeo.
ShaonDell B.
"I've been through just as much as any other teen and more. I worked by myself while making this film, but I had lots of help at YOUmedia."
Georgina H.
"'Eye for an eye' is a term that is used too frequently in this day and age. ...And the ones hit hardest are the families. Having their loved ones taken away from them. They cry for revenge by violence and hurt another family's loved one."
Follow their D.C. trip via Tumblr!
Related Resources
For the Digital City Planner Competition, the approach to curriculum had to enable independent learning and exploration. These checkpoints provide students with structure, guidance and research points while allowing them to manage and assess their progress without depending on a Mentor.