Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, Columbus, Indiana? Susan Stamberg investigates what makes one small Midwestern town a global center for architectural innovation.
Summer is the time for the all-American road trip. And for architectural enthusiasts, there may be no better destination than Columbus, Indiana (pop. 44,000), a town where more than 60 public buildings "have been built by a veritable who's who of modern masters - I.M. Pei,
Eero and Eliel Saarinen, Cesar Pelli, Richard Meier, Harry Weese, Robert
Venturi and James Polshek, to name a few."
In a piece for NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday, Stamberg describes the town's museum quality collection of Modernist architecture, and the primary reason that it came to be - "the Columbus-based Cummins Engine
Co., or, more specifically, J. Irwin Miller, the company's longtime
head."
"Whatever you do in this world, you've got a responsibility and a
privilege of doing it the very best way you can," Miller says in a
company film clip. "And whether it is architecture or cooking or drama
or music, the best is none too good for any of us."
Along with his altruistic aim, Miller had a more practical reason for investing in quality architecture (one that resonates with our growing knowledge-based economy) - the need to attract highly skilled workers.
Thanks to Daniel Lippman
FULL STORY: Columbus, Ind.: A Midwestern Mecca Of Architecture
Low-Income Columbus Households Struggle to Find Housing
The Ohio city has a more severe affordable housing crisis than more traditionally expensive cities like New York and San Francisco.
Columbus, Ohio's High-Frequency Transit Future Up for Vote in November
Despite being the nation’s 14th largest city, Columbus, Ohio has no high-capacity transit. That could change this November as city officials put a levy before voters that would provide $6.2 billion by 2050 to fund an ambitious bus rapid transit system.
It’s Unanimous: Columbus Approves Density-Friendly Zoning Changes
Columbus has approved six zoning code amendments, which include height limit increases from three stories to 16 and eliminate parking requirements for large developments in 12,300 parcels along major transportation corridors.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions