“Join Blair Kamin and Lee Bey for the launch of their new book, Who Is The City For?. A vividly illustrated collection of Kamin’s clear-headed, forceful Chicago Tribune columns, the book paints a revealing portrait of Chicago in all its complexities and contradictions.
“From his high-profile battles with Donald Trump to his insightful celebrations of Frank Lloyd Wright and front-page takedowns of Chicago mega-projects like Lincoln Yards, Pulitzer Prize–winning architecture critic Blair Kamin has long informed and delighted readers with his illuminating commentary. Kamin’s newest collection, Who Is the City For?, gathers 55 of his most notable Chicago Tribune columns from the past decade, paired with striking new images by photographer and Chicago Sun-Times architecture critic Lee Bey.
“At the book’s heart is its expansive approach to equity. Kamin argues for a broad understanding of the term, one that prioritizes both the shared spaces of the public realm and the urgent need to rebuild Black and brown neighborhoods devastated by decades of discrimination and disinvestment. These writings tackle fundamental questions about our city, including: Is Chicago becoming more livable? Can buildings be the architectural equivalent of good citizens? What buildings should be saved and why? Which urban policy approaches can make the city work for all?
“IIT Dean of Architecture Reed Kroloff will moderate the conversation. Stick around afterward for a book signing and reception with drinks and light hors d’oeuvres. The book will also be available to purchase.”
Book Launch: Who Is The City For? by Blair Kamin and Lee Bey
November 10, 2022
6:00 pm
At Chicago Architecture Center and on Zoom