For more than a century, Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan of Chicago inspired bold transformation. Now, World Business Chicago continues that tradition through a design contest focused on imaginative urban solutions, including covering highways, redesigning alleys, and boosting recycling tourism.
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World Business Chicago picks design contest finalists: Covered highways, residential alleys, recycling tourism
Photo by The Brunswick News
Key Takeaways:
- Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan set a precedent for large-scale urban planning in Chicago
- World Business Chicago is embracing this legacy by sponsoring a design competition
- Contest finalists feature ideas like covered highways and residential alley revitalization
- Sustainability concepts, including recycling tourism, are prominent
- “Make no little plans” remains central to shaping Chicago’s future
The Influence of Daniel Burnham
Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan of Chicago remains a milestone in urban architecture and planning. Over a century ago, Burnham’s “make no little plans” philosophy helped shape the city’s parks system, fostered an expansive open lakefront, and cemented Chicago as a leader in forward-thinking infrastructure.
A New Contest for Big Ideas
Building on this history, World Business Chicago launched a design contest to inspire creative approaches to infrastructure and urban living. In line with Burnham’s visionary mindset, the contest encourages designs that aim to make a lasting impact on the broader Chicago community.
Finalists’ Proposals
Among the standout ideas from the finalists are plans to cover parts of the city’s highways. Proponents suggest that these covered sections could be repurposed to include green spaces or pedestrian pathways, further enhancing the city’s livability. Another proposal focuses on transforming residential alleys, envisioning them as safer, more functional spaces that blend aesthetics with utility. A third notable concept promotes recycling tourism, which could bring visitors and residents alike into direct contact with sustainability initiatives while boosting local awareness of green activities.
Continuing Burnham’s Legacy
Every proposal invokes the spirit of Burnham’s famous charge to “make no little plans.” By looking to the future and capitalizing on the city’s established legacy, World Business Chicago and its partners aim to ensure that the next century of development remains as transformative as Burnham’s original 1909 blueprint.
A Look Ahead
Though the outcomes of these proposals remain to be seen, the competition itself symbolizes Chicago’s ongoing pursuit of innovative city planning. As urban environments evolve worldwide, local efforts—like covered highways, enhanced alleys, and novel tourism concepts—show that Chicago continues to live up to its reputation for bold thinking.
