Throughout the years, Chicago served as a model city with its outstanding examples of urban planning and architecture. Experts from around the world have spent more time studying Chicago than any other city in the United States. It all started in 1909 with Daniel Burnham’s Plan of Chicago which focused on the growth and the future of the city. Then, Ernest Burgess and Robert Park’s map of economic and social divisions led to the Chicago School, a social concept that visualized the American city in various concentric zones. More recently, Chicago has been pushing toward urban regeneration and sustainable development through various projects such as the green roofs and the extension of its rail systems. The plans that are presented as part of the bid for the 2016 Olympic games represent more opportunities for the city to build on its architectural legacy and strengthen its reputation as America’s model city.

Mix of iconic buildings and renowned architects: the ‘Corn Cobs’ from Marina City, Willis Tower (former Sears tower), the new extension of the Art of Institute of Chicago by Renzo Piano, Pritzker bandshell by Frank Gehry at Millennium Park, McCormick Tribune Campus Center at IIT by Rem Koolhaas, Lake Shore Drive Apartments by Mies Van Der Rohe.