Now we know who will compete for one of the most coveted design contracts in the country: the presidential library that will bear Barack Obama's name.
[Updated 12/23/2015] Blair Kamin got the fun job of not only reporting the list of seven finalists for the design of the Obama Presidential Center, but then also writing a second article that offers a bit more of the critic's perspective on the choices.
The list of finalists: Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, David Adjaye Associates, Renzo Piano, John Ronan Architects, ShoP Architects, and Snohetta. In reporting the news, Kamin notes that the list only includes one Chicago-based firm (John Ronan Architects) and excludes a popular favorite in the Chicago architecture community, Studio Gang Architects.
Switching to critic mode, Kamin provides a succinct evaluation of the choices: "The seven finalists are modernists, not classicists. They are strong, even adventurous, choices. And just as important, the selection process itself has been well-designed."
The Obama Foundation, which made the announcement of the finalists earlier this week, is "asking the finalists to produce conceptual designs for both sites being considered for the presidential center — one in Jackson Park, the other in and alongside Washington Park," reports Kamin. Including the site selection process in the design competition will empower the winning architecture team, writes Kamin: "organizers have ensured that the winning architect will have a say, perhaps even the decisive one, on the essential question of where the center should be built."
[This post was updated to include the full list of seven finalists.]
FULL STORY: Obama center chooses architects strong on modernism, innovative thinking
Design Team Selected for the Obama Presidential Library in Chicago
Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects | Partners (TWBTA) will design the Obama Presidential Center—selected from a group of seven finalists.
Obama's Presidential Center Raises Displacement Concerns
As the former president seeks to distinguish the Obama Presidential Center from for-profit development, many locals still want to see a binding community benefits agreement.
Obama: Pedestrianize Street Next to Presidential Center
Barack Obama supports closing Cornell Drive, a six-lane road next to the future site of the Obama Presidential Center, to automobile access. He cites safety concerns and the need for green space.
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