The Urban and Civic Impact of Daniel Burnham

A documentary airing nationally on PBS today looks at the work of Daniel Burnham and the emergence of the urban planning profession.

1 minute read

September 6, 2010, 5:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"The film, which premieres nationally on PBS on Labor Day, September 6 (check local listings for times), recounts the life of Chicago architect Daniel Burnham (1846-1912), famous for designing the Flatiron Building in New York, Union Station in Washington, D.C., and the landmark 1909 master plan for Chicago. He pioneered the skyscraper form, then introduced the City Beautiful to cities across the United States and the Philippine Islands; along the way, he practically invented not only the large, corporate architecture firm, but also the very discipline of urban planning."

The documentary gives special attention to Burnham's civic idealism, and what many see as a philanthropic approach to urban improvement.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 in Architectural Record

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

Close-up of hand holding small white square thermoelectric generator in lab with computer in background.

Harnessing Waste Heat Through Thermoelectricity

Heat from industrial installations and buildings can be captured to create renewable electricity.

December 3 - Fast Company

Empty street and high-rise buildings in downtown Chicago, Illinois during COvid-19 pandemic.

Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline

Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.

December 3 - Stanford University News

Red City of Terre Haute small transit bus in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Terre Haute Transit Goes Fare-Free

Buses in the Indiana city will be free as of January 2.

December 3 - Indiana Public Media

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.