New Graphic Novel 'No Small Plans' Aims to Inspire Teens

A new graphic novel has magic to stir blood.

1 minute read

April 7, 2017, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Illinois

Abdulzhelilova Susan / Shutterstock

Mimi Kirk shares news of a new graphic novel titled No Small Plans that introduces young people to a greater understanding of planning and a greater appreciation for their neighborhoods.

Inspired by the precedent sent by Wacker's Manual, a 1911 book that explained and explored Daniel Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago, Gabrielle Lyon, the vice president of education and experience at the Chicago Architecture Foundation, conceived of the idea, spearheaded the production, and hired illustrators to complete the book. The Chicago Architecture Foundation has since launched a Kickstarter campaign to pay for cost of printing 5,000 books to be distributed for free to teens through teachers, schools, and libraries. "Since Illinois recently passed a civic education graduation requirement for public high schools, it will likely be widely used," explains Kirk.

According to Kirk, "the book chronicles young people’s adventures in Chicago neighborhoods of the past, present, and future." A lot more detail about how the book achieves its lofty goals, and a sampling of images from the book, are included in the article.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017 in CityLab

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Aeriel view of white sheep grazing on green grass between rows of solar panels.

Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US

The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.

April 24, 2024 - Columbus Dispatch

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County

Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

Wind turbines and solar panels against a backdrop of mountains in the Mojave Desert near Palm Springs, California

California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours

The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.

April 24 - Fast Company

Close-up of hand holding up wooden thermometer in front of blurred street

New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths

Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.

April 24 - Associated Press via Portland Press Herald

View of Dallas city skyline with moderately busy freeway in foreground at twilight.

AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth

Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.

April 24 - Dallas Morning News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.