• Design Spotlight,  Featured,  Form,  Print Edition

    Thread in transit

    The multi-modal transit system is intended to support the urban core—not unlike a buttress to a wall—and the dynamic economic, cultural, and social activities that take place there. It interacts with the complex spatial structure of larger cities, ultimately becoming inherently entwined with the day-to-day operations and life in the diverse tapestry of its built landscape.  In Chicago, the transit-intensive…

  • Featured,  Print Edition,  Travel

    Other such stories

    Exhibitions in art and its many related fields often serve as a catalyst for new ideas, a shift in perception, and at times, recognizable change. It is frequently used as a forum in which to engage audiences and peers, to spark conversation and innovation, and to provide opportunities for emerging and established talent. There is a statement or question often…

  • Featured,  Form,  Print Edition

    Barbershop lounge

    “There is a lot of same-old-same-old in the world and differentiating yourself to really make sure you are answering questions for your guests or customers that aren’t even asked—that you have thought through it—design is everything about that,” said James Geier, founder and president of 555 International in Chicago. “Answer the questions before they are asked and when somebody walks…

  • Creative Endeavors,  Featured,  Print Edition

    Six-string attitude

    The stage is set: a hush settles over the crowd, smoke curls languidly on the floor, and lights draw eyes and ears to the platform. There is an avid anticipation—a collective intake of breath—as the crowd watches both guitarist and the iconic silhouette held before in an extension and expression of its player. It is an instrument that has defined…

  • Featured,  Print Edition

    Great Lakes By Design: In Flight

    Contents: Design Corner  Stingray | The all-new, mid-engine 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe and Convertible is born of the wind tunnel and a more than 60-year-old dream Leather Works | The handcrafted, American-made accessories and apparel shop based in Minnesota Design Spotlight Street smart | Milwaukee reintroduces the original rideshare method—the streetcar—to its urban transit program Refreshing Bottleworks | The former Coca-Cola bottling plant located…

  • Architecture,  Featured,  Form,  Print Edition,  Residential

    A waterfront study in contrast

    This private waterfront residence located on the shore of Lake Michigan is the culmination of the combined creative and technical talent of Sears Architects, Cannarsa Structure and Design, and Zahn Builders Inc. In a region where certain vernacular styles often reign, it is evident upon first glance—the subdued white stucco exterior combined with bold, dark windows—this home is truly a…

  • Featured,  Print Edition

    Great Lakes By Design: Ergonomics

    Contents: Design Corner Motawi | a handcrafted art tile studio adds to two collections inspired by formative figures in American midcentury art and design Design Spotlight A Better Chicago | a multidisciplinary collaboration looks to elevate and to support the city’s design legacy, community, and resources with a new comprehensive initiative aligned with the debut of NeoCon 2020 Natural advantage…

  • Featured,  Form,  Print Edition

    Driving curve

    Hailed as the “Versailles of Industry” during its debut in 1956, the General Motors Design Dome and Auditorium was an unprecedented architectural feat for the automotive industry designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen, with the collaboration of Harley Earl.  For more than 60 years, the iconic structure on the nearly 710-acre GM Technical Center in Warren, Michigan has come to…

  • Creative Endeavors,  Featured,  Print Edition

    The Architects: Brian Barkwell, AIA

    In the past, architecture has been defined as a vocation, a field of both technical and creative study, and a conduit in which an individual can impact lives and leave a legacy. Yet, its potential to influence, create, inspire, disrupt, and include speaks to a larger import than a simple, concrete interpretation. Its significance is elusive, fluid, and subjective; as…