The city denied an application for an art installation that would have tethered giant golden pigs to a barge on the Chicago River, temporarily interrupting the view of the sign on the infamous Trump sign.
Leonor Vivanco reports: "The plan to install four golden, pig-shaped balloons to block the Trump Tower sign in a one-day protest planned for September was deflated by the city, which denied the design company a permit, the firm said."
"The 30-foot-by-15-foot helium balloons — part of the proposed art installation called 'Flying Pigs on Parade: A Chicago River Folly' and designed by Chicago-based New World Design — were intended to be tethered to a construction barge in the Chicago River to cover President Donald Trump's last name on the tower's southeast façade," adds Vivanco.
The demonstration not only takes direct action against the president, it also digs up the ghosts of a pre-campaign kerfuffle between Trump and Chicago Tribune Architecture Critic Blair Kamin over the size and placement of the Trump sign on Trump International Hotel & Tower, located along the Chicago River.
Mathew Messner reported the news about the status of the art installation the day before Vivanco's report. Messner's sources at New World Design claim the permitting issues is only a temporary setback. "The design team is still optimistic about the future and says it is continuing the campaign to realize the project," according to Messner.
FULL STORY: Chicago deflates plan to fly giant pig balloons in front of Trump Tower
North Branch of the Chicago River Transforming Into a ‘Wild Mile’
A remarkable transformation is underway along the North Branch of the Chicago River, after being channelized and brutalized for well over a century.
New Skyscraper Added to Chicago's Skyline in Uncertain Times for Downtown Commercial Uses
A riverfront revival was well underway in Chicago. Then the pandemic hit. How can a splashy new downtown commercial development expect to fare in Covid's world?
Chicago's Tallest Office Building Since 1990 Cracks the Top 20 Tallest in the City
The Bank of America Tower is the newest skyscraper to line the Chicago River.
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.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service