An Introduction to Chicago/ From the Gold Coast to the Slums

While walking around Chicago's Gold Coast with Philip Nyden, Director of the Center for Urban Research and Learning (CURL) at Loyola University Chicago, I had my first Sandra Bullock in Two Weeks Notice moment. In this romantic comedy, Bullock impeccably expresses the immense power architecture has over a community.

"What I love about architecture is its ability to shape a community, its ability to change strangers into neighbors, how the right design for a park makes people feel secure, and how a school building can be both beautiful and functional so that kids feel engaged instead of imprisoned."

With Phil as my guide, I came to the understanding that this philosophy rings true for almost every facet of an enviroment, particularly an urban one. This is the ideal that Urban planners strive for. On our adventure, I witnessed how a porch can open up a neighborhood while warding off crime and how a plaque can make someone pause and reflect. However, this is equally, if not more true, on the opposing negative front. I experienced how a gate can can act as an unconscious dismissal and that the angle of a railing can shoo someone on their way.

By viewing Michigan Avenue alongside the eyes of a skilled sociologist, I became cognizant of the way urban planners "play god" when developing a new area, subconsciously telling the "average Joe" how to spend his time. One of the most applaudable parts of Chicago's affluent Michigan Avenue is its ability to move tsunamis of people quickly and effectively. Thus, the developers effectivly employed tactics to send people on their way. Benches, encouraging people to linger, are forbidden on such a highly trafficked street; even the cement encompassing the sidewalk plants is placed at a level that most people would find uncomfortable to sit on for long.

What's maybe even more astounding about this magnificent mile is that if you detour a single street behind Water Tower Place, the opulent, over-the-top atmosphere quickly shifts to a feeling of sad destitution. The facade of water tower place as it faces Michigan Avenue is lavish and elegant; however, the architects deliberately left the backside of the building a blank, uninviting slate, urging potential customers back onto Michigan Avenue.

Hopefully today was the first of many light-bulb moments as I continue my exploration of Chicago and delve into a deeper understanding of the multiple dimensions that make up an urban environment. I look forward to understanding what makes Chicago unique and heading off to Pilsen!