Overview
The Plan of Chicago by Carl Smith
“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
Their Plan for Chicago
Daniel Burnham enters the 21st century with YOUmedia at the Chicago Public Library
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 to develop a plan that would make this city one of the greatest in the world.
Fast forward 100 years in the ‘Second City’ and amidst the thriving metropolis, Chicago’s residents are still responding to some of the same needs. In addition, the 21st Century generation has the responsibility of addressing new social, economic and environmental challenges. However, thanks to advancements in digital technology and access to information, our young adults are now 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) they captured footage, photos, interviews and posted blogs to document the change they hoped to see in their communities. Armed with research and material students utilized 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 United Nations World Habitat Day.