Learning from Chicago – The Bungalow

Inspired by a new writing assignment and in honor of the places I have lived thus far in my life's journey, I am beginning a loose 'research project' into the evolution of housing in major urban centers throughout the United States. I begin with my hometown - Chicago - and delve into the origins, influences, and future development of the Chicago-style Bungalow.

a typical Chicago city block

There is a reason that most large urban populations over time develop a distinct housing style. When a singular housing style is established, it can in turn be easily reproduced for lower costs and at faster speeds. Materials become easier to obtain in large quantities and builders become more efficient and adept at repetitive tasks. In addition, a consistent form of housing enables an entire class of society to achieve the ‘American Dream’ in a simple and standardized way. This concept is readily apparent in the Chicago-style bungalow.

The bungalow first appeared in India, where it was built for British subjects. From this point, the squat, rectangular style was popularized in California and, from 1910 to 1940, swept across Chicago’s landscape. These forms became so popular that a ‘Bungalow Belt’ soon formed and one-third of single family homes in the city were built in conformance with the traditional bungalow style. These homes were composed of standardized fixtures and became the first symbol of affordable single-family living for the middle class.

a typical Bungalow floor plan

In many ways, the Chicago Style Bungalow serves as an embodiment of Midwestern values. They were built for a rapidly growing population of families flocking to a city booming with manufacturing and industry professions during the first half of the twentieth century. Key characteristics of a Chicago Bungalow are sturdy brick construction, a roofline perpendicular to the street, one or one and one half stories, detailed windows and stone work, and sheltered entries and porches to protect from harsh Chicago weather conditions. These structures developed as a segment of the Arts and Crafts movement in America, emphasizing craftsmanship and a strong connection to nature.

These are ideas and qualities that are still held in high regard in Chicago and the Midwestern Region as a whole. It is now evident the simple ideas that drove the creation of the Chicago Style bungalow are characteristics that will remain prominent in working class families as our cities grow and progress into the twenty first century.

I have recently uncovered my dormant passion for photography and discovered that scanning previous work into a digital format allows me to quickly and easily manipulate images digitally. Thus, enhancing and experimenting with what would have taken me hours and hours of dark room time to achieve. Of course, this is no ground-breaking discovery and does not replace the creativity that a true dark room inspires, but provides a way to archive delicate creations and experiment free of constraint.

It also allows me to post my work here and relive the creation of each image. I first created the above image as part of a series pertaining to duality. This was during a time shortly after Hurricane Katrina when a majority of my work centered around a comparison and contrast between my hometown of Chicago, to which I fled, and my adopted hometown of New Orleans. The above photograph symbolizes my struggle to merge the two places in my mind. As my heart and thoughts centered around the impending danger present in New Orleans, I was grateful for the comfort and familiarity I found in Chicago, but anxious and ready to return to New Orleans. Combining images from each place into photographic compositions helped me to understand the pull I felt from the two very different places.

L.AT.E. ride

The most impressive part of Chicago's L.A.T.E. ride? The shear number of people who participate in it each year. Navigating the city streets down to Buckingham fountain where the ride began was nearly as exciting as the ride itself. As we got closer and closer to our destination, we could feel a building of excitement in the air as riders joined our caravan and common goal. When we broke onto Van Buren and caught sight of the fountain's grounds, I was amazed to be greated with a sea of bodies of all shapes and sizes dancing to music, chatting, and warming up for a night of riding. As you can see from my spot at the starting line this year, this is a very popular ride. Race organizers have been forced to cap the ride at 10,000 riders...that's right more than 10,000 crazy bikers want to ride the city streets all night in an organized critical mass. Despite truly impeccable organization by numerous volunteers, this fact was a little frustrating, as my five person group was almost instantly separated as the race began.


Luckily, I was able to stick with one of my teammates throughout the entire twenty-five mile ride, which brings me to my second favorite aspect of the L.A.T.E. ride...encouragement of costumes. As you can partially see from above, my friend and I came dressed to the nines, and received a stream of compliments for our stylish outfit choices throughout the ride. I especially appreciated the riders we passed multiple times who remembered us and called out 'ribbon girls!' or 'it's the sparkly divas!' and above all, the man who told me I would have won the helmet decorating contest had I been bold enough to challenge the competition.


Finally, we have wound through countless city streets, beat exhaustion, reached some sort of level of euphoria, and made it to the last leg of the race. The last perhaps seven miles of the ride runs down the lakefront path as the sun is beginning to rise and the city begins to awake. This is when I realize why more than 10,000 riders yearn to join the L.A.T.E. ride each year. Although my butt is sore, my eyes hurt, and I am wondering why I ever agreed to stay awake for this long without any sort of alcoholic aid, as we ride down the usually overcrowded and chaotic lakefront path in the peace of early morning, I am struck by the beauty of the city laying in wait before us. It is quiet on the path, as riders take in the serene beauty surrounding our critical mass. We experience the same peaceful sense of calm as wheels churn and faces turn to admire the wonderful dichotomy that is Chicago's lakefront path, a true intersection of man and nature broken by a smooth line of two wheeled power. Ok, perhaps we are all just tired and daydreaming about soft pillows and sheets and a hot breakfast, but I am going to remember this moment as euphoric and meaningful for all involved.


We make our triumphal return to Buckingham fountain and reunite with the rest of our riding group just as the sun has finished rising and daylight has officially set it, along with true exhaustion. We recap our riding experiences, say a few bleary goodbyes, and begin the long trek towards a comfortable resting place.

_A special thanks to all who made this ride possible, the great participants we met along the way, and words of hope for any injuries and accidents that become inevitable at this scale._

Flavor of the Week

I am sure it is normal that I obsess over singular artists, one at a time, methodically combing my way through a city's art scene. I can't seem to help myself, once I find something I like, I just can't get enough. Well my (and I think half of Chicago's) artist de jour is the hot new talent of Angel Otero. If you've picked up the art section of any paper in the last few weeks, you will instantly recognize this young man and his vibrant works.

Angel grew up modestly in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, without access to either books or art. I believe I read that his first art lesson as a young boy involved a friend sharing with him the ever popular works of Hello Kitty.

When he was offered a scholarship to SAIC, jumped at the opportunity and has since skyrocketed to 'hot new artist' acclaim. I find his art unique, inspirational, and indicitive of his past; but most importantly, fun. He combines whimsy and feeling with a unique three dimensional painting quality. He draws on inspiration from his home and family as well as other artists. He paints for fun, and loves what he does, and these facts most certainly shine through in his work. He stands out from the crowd in my mind through his use of texture and color in new and freespirited ways. He walks the fine line between harnessing his knowledge of shape and form and freeing himself from this rigidity to allow experimentation and growth.

Be sure to keep an eye out for more from Angel. He is about to finish his MFA at the School of the Art Institute, and although I can't say where this free spirit will continue from here, I am sure he will remain a strong staple in the art community, and my flavor of the week for quite some time.

Check out more at his website, www.angelotero.com

~above image, Pretty Crowded, oil on canvas, 60” x 72”, 2008~

Happy Anniversary Daniel!

The year 2009 will mark the 100 year anniversary of the plan for Chicago, written by Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett back in 1909 for the Commercial club of Chicago. Nearly 100 years later, Chicago has grown into a vibrant metropolis of more than eight million people, miles of bike paths, and a myriad of option to enjoy the great outdoors close to home.

Often credited with creating the field of urban design, Burham and Bennett had dreams of Chicago surpassing its industrial past and soaring into a new realm of city living. With their revolutionary and bold design, they forever changed the way Chicagoans live and view their city.

Thanks in large part to Chicago's active government and many non-for profit environmental groups, the city has consistently ranked as one of the top ten greenest cities in America in many polls taken in the 21st century. Chicago has many strong political leaders to thank for its ever growing ecological trend. However, nearly 100 years ago, before it was 'hip to be green', it was Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett who set the stage for Chicago to become the environmentally friendly metropolis it is today. Their plan was fueled by the belief that every person deserved access to usable and enjoyable outdoor space. They made public space available throughout the city and set up a system of public transit and green pathways to dictate the flow of inevitable suburban sprawl and growth.

So aside from the fact that this plan produced the city we all know and love today, what tangible evidence can one observe while celebrating this anniversary?

As we head towards this momentous occasion, I encourage all Chicagoans to get out and celebrate all that the Burnham plan has provided us. Let's name a few:

_ The Chicago Lakefront_ Burnham envisioned a continuous string of shoreline parks stretching from the far south side all the way to Wilmette. As a former Chicago Beach Lifeguard, I admit even I take this for granted. In how many cities can one run marathon distances while constantly being surrounded by the beauty of both nature and man made skyscrapers. Get down to the lakefront and revel with the runners, walkers, bikers, skaters, etc. before winter rears its ugly face!

_ The Magnificent Mile_The plan called for the extension of North Michigan avenue over the Chicago river, setting up the prominent street to become the thriving shopping district it is today.

_Navy Pier_ The plan actually called for two parallel recreational piers to be built for Chicagoans to enjoy, only one was built, and has since developed into a tourist draw and quintessential image of Chicago.

_Grant Park_ Before Burnham stepped in, this now beautiful park was just an uninviting strip of land along Michigan Avenue. The plan called for railroad tracks blocking access to the lake to be depressed underground, allowing the park to extend another 300 feet farther east. Get out and enjoy one of the parks many activities or concerts today!

These are just a few of the great amenities brought to the city of Chicago as a result of Burnham's plan. However, now 100 years old, the city is in need of a little face lift. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, the Chicago Architectural Club, The Art Institute of Chicago, and the Burnham Plan Centennial Committee are a few of the organizations planning events, shows, and competitions in order to both honor and gather ideas for improving the original plan.

The city has already formed goals to fill gaps in the lakefront with new beaches and parks as well as gaps in the region's suburban trails and green ways. Goals have been made to double the city's use of public transit and a competition is in motion to convert Union Station into a high-speed rail hub.

So, thank you Daniel for providing Chicago with an excellent base for success and making history through your unique visions. But, get ready Chicagoans for the next 100 years, sure to again transform our city and build upon urban success to meet the needs of a modern society.