Chicago Review of Architecture Launches Call for Young Voices NOW

UPDATE: The Chicago Review of Architecture is making headlines by inviting fresh, young voices to engage critically with the city’s built environment. Just announced, this new publication, set to debut in 2025, aims to reshape architectural discourse by incorporating diverse perspectives from the local community.

Architecture critic Kate Wagner emphasizes the significance of the built environment, stating, “It means the world we live in, in a spatial sense.” The magazine, an offshoot of the New York Review of Architecture, plans to feature a single issue rich with “erudite, humorous, and hyperlocal writing,” challenging the traditional, often serious tone of architecture criticism.

The editorial team, including Wagner, Anjulie Rao, and Zach Mortice, is eager to broaden the conversation around Chicago’s urban landscape. “We want new perspectives from people in the region,” Rao explains, highlighting two major ongoing projects: the transformative revamp of the Thompson Center into Google’s Chicago headquarters and the controversial Obama Presidential Center.

Wagner raises critical questions about these projects, asserting, “Maybe we should question the idea of a presidential library to begin with.” This sentiment reflects a broader desire to address the complex realities surrounding architecture, including issues like gentrification and community displacement.

The team is actively seeking submissions and is set to release a call for contributions soon. They are particularly interested in stories that explore Chicago’s architectural history, such as the legacy of renowned architect Dwight Perkins, who designed over 40 schools during a period of rapid growth in the city.

Wagner notes, “By introducing younger, more critical voices, we can reopen some of these debates that feel kind of open-and-shut.” The aim is to shift the narrative surrounding Chicago’s segregation and its impact on urban design, encouraging stories that resonate with local communities.

Rao envisions a unique, participatory element, suggesting a tour component where contributors could guide readers through significant areas of the city. “What if we gave the community of Englewood the opportunity to give tours of their area before the Obama Center opens?” she proposes, emphasizing the wealth of local knowledge.

The publication aims to engage a wider audience, tapping into the city’s ongoing discussions about architecture and social justice. As Mortice states, “You can’t really talk to a building, but social histories attached to architecture are where you’ll find the most compelling stories.”

With its focus on humor and relatability, the Chicago Review of Architecture promises to challenge conventional narratives and inspire a new generation of architectural critics. This dynamic initiative is set to capture the attention of readers across Chicago and beyond, making it a must-follow in the coming months.

Stay tuned for further announcements as this exciting project develops, and prepare to engage with Chicago’s architectural landscape like never before.