Julie V. Iovine examines a new exhibition at the Center for Architecture in New York that seeks to capture the spirit of architectural possibility and optimism that defined midcentury Baghdad.
"City of Mirages: Baghdad, 1952-1982," which originated at the Collegi d'Arquitectes de Catalunya in Barcelona, presents the speculative work of architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier and Alvar Aalto as they, "flocked to Baghdad ready to build housing, civic centers, museums, sports complexes, campuses, libraries and an opera house-all that a re-emerging nation would need to show it should be taken seriously on the world stage."
Because many of the buildings featured in the show where either never completed or have been lost to war and neglect, curator Pedro Azara chose to only use architectural sketches, plans and models in the exhibit to capture the spirit of the time in which they were produced.
In addition to featuring lesser known designs of some of the world's most famous architects of the last century during the twilight of their careers (including the work of a 90-year-old Frank Lloyd Wright), Iovine cheers how the the "small but intense" exhibition depicts "how different Western architects interpreted the local building traditions, the pull of exotic imagery and particularly the extreme climate."
FULL STORY: The Land of Broken Promises
Le Corbusier's Baghdad Sports Complex Revealed
In the mid-1900s architect Le Corbusier designed a grand sports complex for Baghdad as part of the city's bid for the 1960 Olympics. That bid failed and the project was never built. Now, original drawings and designs are on display.
The Evolution of Green Urbanism
Today’s "Eco" or "Green" Urbanism movement has ancient, cross-cultural roots. This history is worth contemplating for lessons relevant to sustainable planning and design.
Choice Slights from Frank Lloyd Wright
In a 1957 book, author Selden Rodman collected conversations with 35 of America's preeminent artists and architects. The interviews with Frank Lloyd Wright are a font of choice quotes on topics from Le Corbusier to NYC's density.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service