November 4, 2009 – The scale model of downtown Chicago, on display at the Chicago Architecture Foundation since June, will stay in the Santa Fe building another year.

Chicago Model City was due to be demolished and paved over on November 20 but the foundation says it has been too much of a hit with local residents and tourists. The exhibition has been extended through November 2010.

“The popularity of Chicago Model City demonstrates the desire for greater understanding of Chicago and all cities,” said CAF president Lynn Osmond in a press release. “Many people recognize that the design of architecture and infrastructure is key to achieving livable communities.”

(Above) Looking west down Chicago River toward Marina City, one of 1,000 downtown buildings depicted in “Chicago Model City.” Click on image to view larger version.

The 25 x 35-foot exhibition fills the atrium of the Santa Fe Building, the former headquarters of 1909 Plan of Chicago architect Daniel Burnham. 1,000 buildings on 400 city blocks are depicted. The scale of the models is one inch for every 50 feet, making Willis Tower nearly three feet tall. Lighting simulates a 24-hour day, going from morning to night every 15 minutes.

According to CAF, this is the first and only “large-scale city model fabricated using the cutting-edge rapid prototyping manufacturing process called stereolithography.”

With the help of architects, model makers, and industrial designers, Columbian Model & Exhibit Works, Ltd., a Chicago company, created the models using specialized software and a three-dimensional printer.

Osmond says there will be some upgrades and additions, such as an audio tour and an expanded schedule of gallery discussions.

 Web site: Chicago Architecture Foundation

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