Chicago Architecture Biennial 2019
Writing
The Anarchitectural Library
As part of the Chicago Architecture Biennial, Adrian Blackwell built a library to show what urban issues matter most to local citizens
On the fourth floor of the Chicago Cultural Center, Toronto architect Adrian Blackwell has constructed one of the quieter — though more inspiring — installations at the Chicago Architecture Biennial. His work takes the form of a circular library housing booklets and xeroxed brochures gathered from 20 locally active community groups. Spend time contemplating these open shelves and you’ll find printed matter produced by groups who are building urban farms to help restore blighted neighbourhoods or turning one of the last remaining public housing projects on the South Side into a museum. Still others are protecting Chicago’s beloved rivers from toxic waste or taking on systemic issues of racism, gun violence, and a lack of affordable housing. This real-time library is a fitting start for the biennial, which aims to examine the currencies of architecture, though not through the usual “smart city” schemes we keep hearing about. Titled “… and other such stories,” the focus is an intellectualized inquiry into what plagues urbanism now.” Read more.
Architect: Adrian Blackwell
Photography: Courtesy Chicago Architecture Biennial
Published: Nuvo, July 2019
Writing
The Anarchitectural Library
As part of the Chicago Architecture Biennial, Adrian Blackwell built a library to show what urban issues matter most to local citizens
On the fourth floor of the Chicago Cultural Center, Toronto architect Adrian Blackwell has constructed one of the quieter — though more inspiring — installations at the Chicago Architecture Biennial. His work takes the form of a circular library housing booklets and xeroxed brochures gathered from 20 locally active community groups. Spend time contemplating these open shelves and you’ll find printed matter produced by groups who are building urban farms to help restore blighted neighbourhoods or turning one of the last remaining public housing projects on the South Side into a museum. Still others are protecting Chicago’s beloved rivers from toxic waste or taking on systemic issues of racism, gun violence, and a lack of affordable housing. This real-time library is a fitting start for the biennial, which aims to examine the currencies of architecture, though not through the usual “smart city” schemes we keep hearing about. Titled “… and other such stories,” the focus is an intellectualized inquiry into what plagues urbanism now.” Read more.
Architect: Adrian Blackwell
Photography: Courtesy Chicago Architecture Biennial
Published: Nuvo, July 2019
