The Chicago Community Trust’s Post

This is a magnificent building for so many reasons, including flood mitigation.

🌟 The Lincoln Memorial, an iconic symbol of American democracy, is more than just a grand structure in Washington, D.C. Completed in 1922, this majestic monument was designed by architect Henry Bacon to resemble a Greek Doric temple. Its design reflects the enduring values of the nation, with 36 columns representing the states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. The central statue of Abraham Lincoln, sculpted by Daniel Chester French, stands a towering 19 feet tall and embodies the strength and resilience of the 16th President. 🏛️ 📜 Beyond its architectural splendor, the Lincoln Memorial has been the backdrop for significant historical moments. It was the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech during the 1963 March on Washington, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement. This powerful address resonates with the memorial’s mission to promote freedom and equality, reinforcing its role as a symbol of hope and progress. ✊🏿 📸 The memorial’s reflective pool and its serene, contemplative setting offer more than just visual beauty; they provide a space for visitors to connect with the ideals of liberty and justice. Its position on the western end of the National Mall facing the U.S. Capitol symbolizes Lincoln’s enduring legacy in guiding the nation's democratic principles. Whether you're visiting to admire its architectural grandeur or to reflect on its historical significance, the Lincoln Memorial stands as a testament to America's past and a beacon for its future. 🇺🇸 Below is my watercolor depiction of this monument in the Beaux Arts style. oringinal size: 20"x30" #lincolnmemorial #beauxarts #urbanplanning #architecture

Check out this article featuring the folks at Work Program Architects discussing the recently completed Perry Glass Studio project. Designing for sea level rise and flooding creates unique structural design challenges and requires creative solutions, particularly at the building's foundation level. Speight, Marshall & Francis has extensive experience with these types of designs. Let us know how we can assist you in designing your building for sea level rise and floodproofing!

🌍 Recontextualizing Confederate Narratives in the Deep South 🌍 I’m excited to share a recent project that has been both a professional and personal journey: Recontextualizing Confederate Narratives in the Deep South. This initiative focuses on Port Gibson, Mississippi, a small town with a history dominated by Confederate monuments, antebellum architecture, and systemic inequities. Architecture is a reflection of society’s values, and in rural Mississippi, the built environment has long served to glamorize oppression. This project challenges white supremacist narratives by reinterpreting this history, highlighting stories of Black activism and resilience, and fostering collective intergenerational healing. The proposed design introduces a heritage trail connecting spaces tied to both Black-led activism and Confederate history, encouraging visitors to confront the complex and painful realities of the past. It seeks to evoke emotions ranging from anger and sadness to hope and inspiration. The journey culminates in a renovated theater designed as a space for somatic healing and collective liberation from oppression. Key design features include: A durable brick pathway symbolizing resilience and renewal. A bike lane to promote accessibility and sustainable transportation. A focus on sustainability and historic preservation, repurposing existing resources to empower the community. This project draws on historical research into Black-led activism, site analysis, and non-Western psychology to create a deeply intentional design approach. By intertwining historical reinterpretation, community engagement, and sustainable design practices, it envisions a future for Port Gibson that is more equitable, connected, and rooted in truth. I’m inspired by the potential for architecture and urban design to challenge systemic oppression and tell untold stories. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this work or discuss similar projects you’ve encountered. #RewritingHistory #SocialChangeByDesign #TraumaInformedDesign #EquityThroughArchitecture #HeritageTrail

What is "Restorative Justice," and in what ways can the built environment contribute? Restorative justice is all about healing communities through collaborative problem-solving and reparation. By focusing on dialogue, empathy, and rebuilding trust, it's a transformative approach to justice that promotes understanding and connection. At GGI, we believe that thoughtful design can amplify these principles. Decorative glass and public art displays provide a vibrant canvas for representing shared stories, fostering inclusive spaces, and creating visual symbols of unity. They can ignite conversations, celebrate diversity, and offer solace—a fitting tribute to restorative justice. Dive Deeper: Check out this article by Gensler for insights on how restorative justice shapes our communities and how we can enhance this process through innovative, artistic design. #RestorativeJustice #CommunityHealing #GGI #SeeWhatGlassCanDo #PublicArt https://lnkd.in/e_R8RbNb

The project aims to recognize the contributions of Black architechs

The intersection of art and culture in California is nowhere more evident than in its glorious murals. These murals not only bring color; they turn buildings into canvases.  These murals serve another function: increasing the sense of pride and ownership within the community for their living spaces. Buildings become something other than mere living spaces; they become liveable art. Artists like Favianna Rodriguez, whose work often addresses social justice issues, have played a massive role in bringing cultural pride and community spirit to the people of Oakland. Art fosters community building and cultural amalgamation. While minimalism in color and design ensures timelessness, it does not elevate people's sense of belonging and pride in their lives. At Riaz Capital, our ethos is driven by a need to care for the people we cater to. Affordable housing does not need to be; it can be a canvas to showcase the art that is uniquely Californian. With Artthaus Studios at the helm, we created the Riaz Capital Art program. Through this venture, we invite select artists to our buildings as their canvases. With the help of Artthaus Studios' colorful flair, we have transformed living spaces from grim accommodations to art. See more of our Riaz Capital Art Program at https://lnkd.in/gfMRUGXA

From California.com: Street art in Los Angeles transcends the traditional gallery space, bringing art to the public in a way that is accessible and unmediated. This democratization of art allows for a unique intersection of voices, from renowned international artists to local creatives, each contributing to the city's visual narrative. The murals, graffiti, and installations that adorn L.A.'s urban landscape are more than mere aesthetics; they are stories told on the canvas of the city itself, reflecting the dreams, struggles, and resilience of its inhabitants. The cultural significance of L.A.'s street art can be traced back to the Chicano Art Movement of the 1960s and 70s, where murals became a form of political expression and cultural affirmation for the Mexican-American community. Today, this tradition continues as street art addresses a plethora of themes, from social justice and environmental concerns to the celebration of cultural heritage and personal identity. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e2hh8jfm

The Des Moines Art Center is excited to announce the reopening of its I. M. Pei building, named for Florence Cowles Kruidenier, after a transformative upgrade of its original lighting system and the complete reinstallation of its galleries, including the Cowles Sculpture Court. The renovation makes for especially illuminating experiences, as visitors explore this extraordinary building, which opened to the public in 1968 and has been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance. The new lighting system matches Pei’s original 1968 designs but includes much more sophisticated, flexible, and energy efficient features. This system offers many benefits, including enhanced visitor experience, more dramatic and focused illumination of the Art Center’s collections, and improved energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/gEAusfr4

Check out the fascinating evolution of street lighting in New York City! From colonial days to modern times, the transformation is nothing short of spectacular. Did you know that there are only two original 19th-century gas lamps left in the city? One of them can be found in Greenwich Village! Learn more about the historic lampposts of NYC and their significance. #newyorkcity #history