Social media has been at the forefront of the success of the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Around Chicago in 85 Tours Challenge.
Jennifer Lucente, the social media expert at the Chicago Architecture Foundation has completed her year of taking tours—taking all 85 tours in 2010. The challenge that began last January with a tour of the Board of Trade building has ended today with the architecture foundation’s newest tour: Razzle Dazzle – featuring the Loop theater district followed by a celebration at the Chicago Theatre.
The challenge attracted followers through Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and the challenge blog at www.85tours.com. This is the first and only 85 tour challenge and brought new audiences to the Chicago Architecture Foundation through social media. Jennifer tweeted during the tours and encouraged fellow tweeters to join her in the challenge.
Tens of thousands of followers later, she says, “There is no shame in being a tourist in your own hometown. Chicago has so many hidden gems and amazing stories about the architects and buildings that make this city great.” She fared bad weather, pigeons, and dancing hot dog street performers during her tour challenge but all of it was worthwhile, having accomplished her goals and attracted a new audience.
All of the tours were open to the public and participants were welcome to join in. Participants followed online for comments, pictures, videos, questions and interesting facts. People were encouraged to share photos, upload videos, and connect with others who love Chicago and its amazing architecture. In addition to attending tours, everyone was welcome to participate in various ways: Blog: www.85tours.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/chiarchitecture Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicagoarchitecture Website: www.architecture.org/85tours.
The Chicago Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture and design. The Chicago Architecture Foundation pursues this mission through architecture tours, exhibitions, panel discussions, and youth and adult education programs.
Related Stories
| May 15, 2012
One World Trade Center goes to new height of sustainability
One of the biggest challenges in developing this concrete mixture was meeting the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey’s strict requirement for the replacement of cement.
| May 15, 2012
Suffolk selected for Rosenwald Elementary modernization project
The 314-student station elementary school will undergo extensive modernization.
| May 15, 2012
Don’t be insulated from green building
Examining the roles of insulation and manufacturing in sustainability’s growth.
| May 15, 2012
National Tradesmen Day set for Sept. 21
IRWIN Tools invites the nation to honor "The Real Working Hands that Build America and Keep it Running Strong".
| May 15, 2012
SAGE Electrochromics to become wholly owned subsidiary of Saint-Gobain
This deal will help SAGE expand into international markets, develop new products and complete construction of the company’s new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Faribault, Minn.
| May 14, 2012
Codes harvest rainwater
IAPMO’s Green Plumbing and Mechanical Code Supplement could make rainwater harvesting systems commonplace by clearly outlining safe installation and maintenance practices.
| May 14, 2012
Plumbing research coalition to study drainline transport issue
The effort is aimed at determining if decreasing levels of water flow––caused by increasingly efficient plumbing fixtures––are sufficient to clear debris from plumbing pipes.
| May 14, 2012
SOM to break ground on supertall structure in China
The 1,740-feet (530-meter) tall tower will house offices, 300 service apartments and a 350-room, 5-star hotel beneath an arched top.
| May 14, 2012
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture design Seoul’s Dancing Dragons
Supertall two-tower complex located in Seoul’s Yongsan International Business District.
| May 14, 2012
SMPS and Deltek announce alliance
A/E/C industry leaders partner to advance technology’s role in design firm marketing and business development.