Bob Rudner <brudner@planet-group.com> Date: Tue, 10 Jun 1997
Dear Chancellor,
It is time for the University of Illinois to learn something from its own Architecture Department and apply it to incorporating existing structures on Maxwell Street and along Halsted in the Old Market District.
In 1965, when the school was located at Navy Pier, my mentor, Paolo Soleri, demonstrated his concepts of useful solar and ecological design using a sandbox. Apparently, from what I see where the old Maxwell Street Market used to be, the administration has yet to grasp basic sandbox. It is appalling how ugly the asphalt is -- while old structures crumble. These buildings echo the voices of the people who struggled there. They should be worked into new design.
Look around you to the excellent students and teachers -- who if challenged could provide a far better design which would keep alive the memories of the rich culture while providing habitat for people - a bridge between the past and future.
Back in 1989, I showed Dr. Soleri an areal photograph of the Maxwell Street area and a design of my own which worked the existing structures into a multi-level, multiple use megastructure. When I tried to propose this during public forums by the city, I was blocked. Since then, many good solid buildings were demolished and people driven away.
Please take a look and do something different -- before it's gone!
You've paved Maxwell Market and put up a parking lot. You have a treasure which can be tapped if your bring together the wide variety of disciplines and skills available on your own campus. I've lectured there. I know.
Truly,
Bob Rudner
Chicago Arcology Network
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