Where's The Beef?

Blair Kamin reviews the new design for a landmark McDonald's in Chicago.

1 minute read

August 10, 2004, 2:00 PM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech

" Chicago has had a lot of missed design opportunities in its history -- indeed, an entire exhibition of them, "Unbuilt Chicago," is now on display at the Art Institute of Chicago -- but this ranks as one of the most bone-headed.

McDonald's couldn't let go of its brand so it couldn't embrace the future. Economics trumped aesthetics. Nostalgia won out over modernity.

Modernity is about engaging how we live now and using the latest forms and technologies to take the everyday grind of life and turn it into art. Modernity expands perceptions. Nostalgia confines them by serving up sentimental, saccharine versions of reality."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

FULL STORY: A ground beef

Tuesday, August 10, 2004 in The Chicago Tribune

Architecture Illinois

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.