Plate 114 from The Plan of Chicago, 1909: Chicago. Proposed Boulevard and Parkway on Michigan Avenue and Pine Street 1909

This is Daniel Burnham’s proposed boulevard and parkway for Michigan Avenue and Pine Street, sketched in 1909 as part of The Plan of Chicago. It’s mostly delicate brown and beige washes, with some details picked out in red and green. What was Burnham thinking, dreaming even, as he made this? I picture him bending over this large sheet of paper, moving his hand precisely to render the buildings with accuracy, but then also letting himself go a little when he imagines the park and all the people milling about and enjoying it. You know, there is a kind of planning here but also a total freedom of invention! I see some really cool formal gardens and geometrical pathways. It looks like the perspective is shifting, moving from a very real bird’s eye view into something more free and imaginative as it nears the lake. There is a long tradition of artists, architects, and planners borrowing and responding to each other's work; taking cues from the past while looking forward to the future. Burnham is part of this story.