The City Beautiful Movement Reforming Urban America

LECTURE 4: CITY BEAUTIFUL MOVEMENT “Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized..” Daniel Burnham Was a reform philosophy in North American urban planning and architecture that emerged in the late 19th century and gained momentum in the early 20th century. • • It aimed to introduce beautification and order to rapidly growing industrial cities, which were often characterized by overcrowding, pollution, and social unrest. The movement sought to counteract the negative effects of urbanization by emphasizing aesthetic design, urban planning, and civic pride. IDEAS • • • • • • • Beauty will inspire civic and moral loyalty and pride American cities would be equal to their European competitors Beautiful civic spaces will encourage upper classes to work and spend their money in the urban areas. Social order through beautification Often called the “golden age of urban design” Emphasis was on grand formal designs, with Wide boulevards, civic spaces, arts, etc. KEY ASPECTS AND INFLUENCES OF THE CITY BEAUTIFUL MOVEMENT INCLUDE: • • • • European Influences - The movement was influenced by the City Beautiful concepts developed in Europe, particularly in cities like Paris and London, Hyde Park, London Boulevards, Paris where grand boulevards, public parks, and monumental architecture were central to urban planning. World's Columbian Exposition (1893) - Held in Chicago in 1893 showcased many City Beautiful principles. The fairgrounds, designed by architects such as Daniel Burnham and Frederick Law Olmsted, featured grand buildings, formal gardens, and wide boulevards. It served as a catalyst for the City Beautiful Movement in the United States. The Chicago Burnham Plan, also known as the Plan of Chicago, is often considered one of the most influential manifestations of the City Beautiful Movement in urban planning history. Led by architect Daniel Burnham and his colleague Edward H. Bennett, The Plan of Chicago was a visionary blueprint for the development and beautification of the city of Chicago. It was commissioned by the Commercial Club of Chicago and published in 1909. While not all aspects of the plan were fully realized, its influence can still be seen in many aspects of Chicago's urban landscape and architectural heritage today. Urban Reform - The movement was part of broader urban reform efforts aimed at addressing social and economic problems in rapidly growing cities. Advocates believed that well-designed urban spaces could improve public health, social order, and civic virtue. Beautification - Central to the City Beautiful Movement was the idea of beautifying urban environments through architectural design, landscaping, and public art. Included the creation of grand public buildings, monuments, parks, and tree-lined boulevards. • • Civic Pride - Proponents of the movement believed that beautiful public spaces would foster a sense of civic pride and unity among citizens. They saw well-designed cities as symbols of progress and civilization. Criticism and Legacy - While the City Beautiful Movement made significant contributions to urban planning and design, it also faced criticism for its focus on aesthetics over practical considerations and its tendency to prioritize the interests of the wealthy and powerful. However, many of its ideas, such as the importance of green spaces and the integration of public art into urban environments, continue to influence urban planning practices today. THE CITY BEAUTIFUL MOVEMENT: MANILA In history, The City Beautiful Movement's principles were embraced during the American colonial period, particularly in the early 20th century. American urban planners and architects, influenced by the ideals of the movement, sought to transform the existing capital city of Manila into a modern, orderly city, and create of an entirely new summer capital at Baguio and the creation of an entirely new summer capital at Baguio. Daniel Burnham was commissioned to prepare plans for the two cities. Burnham and Anderson found that Manila had mostly level land with a surface a few feet above mean high tide, and the Pasig River running through it. KEY ASPECTS: Urban Planning - American planners introduced concepts of urban planning that emphasized order, symmetry, and beautification. They aimed to reorganize the city's layout to improve circulation, create green spaces, and provide amenities for residents. Architectural Projects - Several architectural projects were undertaken in Manila during this period to reflect the City Beautiful ideals. One notable example is the construction of the Manila Central Post Office, designed by Filipino architect Juan Arellano. The building's neoclassical design and grandeur exemplified the movement's emphasis on monumental architecture. Public Spaces - Efforts were made to create and enhance public spaces in Manila, including parks, plazas, and promenades. Rizal Park (formerly known as Luneta), one of the largest urban parks in Asia, underwent improvements during this time, with landscaping and the addition of monuments. Street Design: Streets and boulevards were redesigned to accommodate increased traffic and provide aesthetically pleasing thoroughfares. Wide avenues and tree-lined streets became characteristic features of Manila's urban landscape. Sanitation and Health: The City Beautiful Movement also addressed issues of sanitation and public health in Manila. Efforts were made to improve sanitation systems, waste management, and access to clean water, contributing to better living conditions for residents. The legacy of the City Beautiful Movement in Manila can still be seen in the city's architecture, urban layout, and public spaces. While subsequent periods of development and urbanization have brought changes to the city, elements of the movement's influence continue to shape Manila's urban identity. CASE STUDY : The (U.S.A.) National mall The National Mall in Washington, D.C., is a historic and iconic park that serves as a gathering place for national celebrations, protests, and leisure activities. Its history is rich and significant, dating back to the early days of the United States. Early History: The area now known as the National Mall was originally marshland along the Potomac River. Pierre Charles L'Enfant - A French-born architect and city planner. In 1791 under the direction of President George Washington. Designed the basic layout of Washington, D.C., including the Mall Envisioned a grand boulevard, extending from the Capitol to the Potomac River, flanked by prominent buildings and monuments. Basic Layout: L'Enfant's plan laid out the basic framework for the Mall, which included the Capitol Building at its eastern end and the Washington Monument at its western end. The Mall was intended to serve as a grand avenue for public gatherings and civic events. Jefferson's Influence: Played a significant role in the development of the Mall. Envisioned the area as a place for education and enlightenment, advocating for the establishment of institutions such as the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution along its borders. The National Mall Complex. The Library of Congress Architect: The original design was by William Thornton, followed by architects such as Charles Bulfinch, Paul J. Pelz, and John L. Smithmeyer. Style: Neoclassical, with elements of Beaux-Arts and Italian Renaissance Revival. Construction Period: Construction began in 1886 and continued with expansions and renovations over subsequent years. Description: The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world and serves as the research library for the United States Congress. It consists of three main buildings: the Thomas Jefferson Building (completed in 1897), the John Adams Building (completed in 1939), and the James Madison Memorial Building (completed in 1980). The Thomas Jefferson Building, the most iconic of the three, is known for its grand Neoclassical design, with a monumental dome, marble columns, intricate carvings, and ornate decorations throughout its interior. Smithsonian Institution Architect: The original building was designed by James Renwick Jr. Style: Romanesque Revival (original building), Construction Period: The original Smithsonian Institution Building, also known as the "Castle," was constructed between 1847 and 1855. Description: The Smithsonian Institution is a group of museums and research centers administered by the United States government. The Smithsonian Castle, located on the National Mall, serves as the institution's administrative headquarters. The Castle is constructed in the Romanesque Revival style, characterized by its fortress-like appearance, round towers, and crenelated parapets. 19th Century Expansion: Incremental development with the addition of various monuments and memorials. The U.S. Botanic Garden was established in 1820, and the Smithsonian Institution was founded in 1846, both contributing to the cultural and educational character of the Mall. Conservatory. Designed by architect Paul J. Pelz, who also contributed to the design of the Library of Congress, the conservatory was completed in 1933. The conservatory is constructed of steel, glass, and cast iron, with a distinctive Victorian-style greenhouse design. McMillan Plan (1902): the McMillan Commission developed a comprehensive plan to beautify and expand the Mall. Led by Senator James McMillan, the commission proposed adding new monuments and creating formal gardens and open spaces to enhance the Mall's aesthetic appeal. Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial: Architect: Lawrence Halprin Style: Modernist Construction Period: 1993-1997 (dedicated on May 2, 1997) Description: The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is located on the western edge of the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. Consists of a series of outdoor rooms, each representing one of FDR's four terms in office. The memorial features waterfalls, sculptures, and quotes from Roosevelt's speeches carved into granite walls. The central feature is a larger-than-life statue of Roosevelt seated in a wheelchair, reflecting his struggle with polio. Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Architect: Maya Lin Style: Minimalist Construction Period: Dedicated on November 13, 1982 Description: The memorial consists of two black granite walls that intersect at an angle, inscribed with the names of over 58,000 servicemen and women who died or went missing during the Vietnam War. The design evokes a sense of reflection and remembrance, inviting visitors to contemplate the human cost of war. Korean War Veterans Memorial: Architect: Cooper-Lecky Architects Style: Realist Construction Period: Dedicated on July 27, 1995