Make No Little Plans: Daniel Burnham and the American City

FAIN: TD-50047-09

Archimedia Workshop NFP (Chicago, IL 60605-1303)
Judith P. McBrien (Project Director: August 2008 to April 2010)

Development of a 60-minute television documentary on the life and work of architect and urban planner Daniel Burnham.

Few individuals have had more impact on the American City than architect and planner Daniel Hudson Burnham. In the midst of late 19th century urban disorder, Burnham offered a powerful concept of what a civilized American city could look like that provided a compelling framework for Americans to make sense of the world around them. However, not all would agree with his vision. He built some of the first skyscrapers in the world, helped to inspire the City Beautiful Movement and created influential urban plans for major cities including Washington D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, Cleveland and Manila, all before the profession of comprehensive urban planing existed. Filmed in high-definition and using exciting graphics and mapping techniques, MAKE NO LITTLE PLANS: DANIEL BURNHAM AND THE AMERICAN CITY will explore Burnham's fascinating career and controversial legacy and will foster public debate about how and for whom cities are planned.