Past Forward

In 1906 now famed Architect and urban planner, Daniel Burnham, created the first comprehensive plan of controlled growth in an American city. That American city, being the Chicago, is now celebrating Burnham’s Plan of Chicago centennial with one of perhaps the coolest instillations we have come across.

For the celebration, one of our favorite architects, Zaha Hadid, created a grand pavilion, which expands on Burnham’s past vision. Burnham Pavilion, which recently opened in Millennium Park, is composed of an intricate curved aluminum structure with fabric skins tightly zipped around the metal frame to create the curvilinear shape. An interior skin also serves as the screen for a video instillation by Thomas Gray that explores Chicago’s past and future.

A city known for its progressive cultural ethos and stunning architecture shows no sign of slowing down. If you are in the area visit the pavilions and let us know what you think !

The Burnham Pavilions will be open and free to the public in Millennium Park through October 31, 2009

Images courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects © Michelle Litvin and www.designboom.com