A Visionary Blueprint: Review of “Plan of Chicago” by Edward H. Bennett and Daniel H. Burnham

Summary: The Genesis of a Metropolis

“Plan of Chicago,” authored by Edward H. Bennett and Daniel H. Burnham, is not a novel in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a seminal urban planning document, a visionary blueprint for the future of Chicago, published in 1909. It doesn’t feature fictional characters or a linear plot. Its “main characters” are the city of Chicago itself, its burgeoning population, and the ambitious dreams of its civic leaders. The setting is Chicago at the turn of the 20th century, a rapidly industrializing metropolis grappling with the consequences of unchecked growth. The “plot,” if one can call it that, is the ambitious and detailed proposal for a complete reorganization and beautification of the city, transforming it into a harmonious and functional urban environment. It outlines principles of urban design, advocating for grand boulevards, radial street systems, public parks, lakefront development, and improved transportation networks.

Overall Thoughts and Feelings

Reading “Plan of Chicago” is an intellectually stimulating and inspiring experience. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and the power of long-term vision. While lacking the emotional resonance of a fictional narrative, its impact lies in its profound historical significance and the sheer audacity of its proposals. It evokes a sense of awe at the scale of ambition and the meticulous detail with which the authors approached their task. The document serves as a powerful reminder of how deliberate planning can shape the destiny of a city.

Writing Style and Literary Themes

The writing style is formal, authoritative, and meticulously descriptive, befitting its status as a professional planning document. It is not designed for casual reading but rather for serious consideration by city officials, architects, and engaged citizens. The language is clear and persuasive, aimed at convincing the reader of the necessity and benefits of the proposed changes.

Key literary themes and motifs present, though not in a narrative sense, include:

  • Order and Harmony: A central theme is the imposition of order and aesthetic harmony onto a chaotic urban landscape. The plan seeks to create a sense of unity and coherence through systematic design.
  • Progress and Modernity: The document champions progress and the embrace of modern urban living. It sees urban planning as a tool to elevate the quality of life and foster civic pride.
  • The Public Realm: A significant motif is the emphasis on creating and preserving public spaces – parks, boulevards, and a vibrant lakefront – as essential components of a healthy city.
  • Civic Duty and Responsibility: The underlying message is one of civic duty and the collective responsibility to shape the urban environment for the betterment of its inhabitants.

Pacing and Structure

The structure of “Plan of Chicago” is logical and systematic, mirroring the principles of urban planning it espouses. It begins with an analysis of the city’s existing condition and then systematically lays out proposals for various aspects of urban development, from transportation to civic buildings. The pacing is measured and deliberate, reflecting the thoroughness of the analysis. It does not aim to be a page-turner but rather a comprehensive guide. While some sections might feel dense due to the technical nature of the proposals, the overall flow is well-organized. It holds the interest of anyone fascinated by urban design, history, or the evolution of cities.

Language and Imagery

The authors employ precise and evocative language to paint a picture of their envisioned Chicago. While not as overtly poetic as a novelist, they utilize descriptive terms to convey the grandeur and functionality of their plans. Phrases describing “sweeping vistas,” “magnificent avenues,” and “well-ordered spaces” create vivid mental images of a transformed city.

A particularly striking aspect is the detailed articulation of specific proposals, such as the radial street system and the comprehensive park plan. These detailed descriptions, though technical, become powerful in their visualization of a more efficient and beautiful city.

Emotional Impact

The emotional impact of “Plan of Chicago” is primarily one of inspiration and contemplation. It evokes a sense of possibility and the power of collective action. Reading about the aspirations for Chicago can provoke thought about the cities we inhabit today and the role of planning in their development. It prompts reflection on the trade-offs between rapid growth and planned development, and the enduring importance of aesthetic considerations in urban life.

Themes and Messages

The core message of “Plan of Chicago” is that a well-planned city can significantly enhance the lives of its citizens. Burnham and Bennett aimed to convey that urban design is not merely about aesthetics but also about functionality, efficiency, and the creation of a healthy, prosperous, and beautiful environment. They were driven by the belief that Chicago, a city scarred by the Great Fire and rapid industrialization, had the potential to become a model of urban excellence.

The social and cultural commentary is implicit in the plan’s emphasis on public spaces and accessibility. By advocating for parks and civic centers, the authors implicitly recognized the need for communal gathering places that would foster social cohesion and civic pride. The plan also reflects the prevailing Progressive Era ideals of efficiency, order, and the application of scientific principles to social and civic problems.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

  • Visionary Scope: The sheer ambition and comprehensiveness of the plan are its greatest strengths. It offered a holistic approach to urban development.
  • Enduring Influence: The plan has had a profound and lasting impact on Chicago’s physical form, with many of its proposals eventually realized.
  • Detailed Analysis: The meticulous detail in its proposals, from street layouts to park systems, demonstrates a deep understanding of urban complexities.
  • Historical Significance: It serves as a crucial document for understanding the history of urban planning and the development of Chicago.

Weaknesses:

  • Lack of Narrative Engagement: As a planning document, it naturally lacks the narrative drive and character development of a novel, which might deter readers looking for a traditional literary experience.
  • Potential for Density: The technical nature of some sections can make it challenging for a general reader to fully engage with every detail.

Recommendation

I would highly recommend “Plan of Chicago” to urban planners, architects, historians, students of urban studies, and anyone with a keen interest in the development of cities, particularly Chicago. It is an essential read for understanding the principles that shaped one of America’s greatest metropolises. While it may not appeal to readers seeking a traditional fictional narrative, its historical and intellectual value is immense.

Comparison

Comparing “Plan of Chicago” to other works by the same authors is tricky, as Burnham and Bennett are primarily known for their professional contributions. However, Daniel Burnham’s involvement in the Columbian Exposition of 1893, often referred to as the “White City,” shares the same spirit of grand architectural vision and the creation of an idealized urban environment. In the genre of urban planning literature, it stands as a foundational text, alongside works like Ebenezer Howard’s “Garden Cities of Tomorrow.”

Rating

4.5 out of 5 Stars

Overall Impression

“Plan of Chicago” is a monumental work of urban planning that offers a compelling glimpse into the aspirations for a modern city. It is a testament to the power of foresight and the transformative potential of deliberate design. While its form is that of a technical document, its spirit is that of a grand artistic and civic endeavor. It remains a vital and inspiring resource for anyone interested in the shaping of urban landscapes.

Where to Get It

  • The Art Institute of Chicago: As the primary repository for much of the Burnham Library’s archives, The Art Institute of Chicago is a key location for accessing historical materials related to the Plan. You can inquire about physical copies or archival access.
  • University Libraries: Major university libraries, especially those with strong architecture, urban planning, or history departments, are likely to have copies in their collections.
  • Online Archives and Digital Collections: Many historical documents are digitized. Searching reputable online archives such as the Internet Archive or university digital libraries may yield a digital version of the “Plan of Chicago.”
  • Specialty Bookstores: Bookstores specializing in architecture, history, or rare books may have copies available for purchase.
  • My Ebook: For a digital experience and further exploration of related historical documents and analyses, you might find resources available at My Ebook.