Inspired by the 1911 textbook Wacker’s Manual, which sought to teach Chicago’s eighth graders about the importance of good urban planning and development and inspire them to take the city’s future into their own hands, a new graphic novel hopes to accomplish the same thing for Chicago’s teens of the 21st century.
The main idea behind the graphic novel, dubbed No Small Plans, was to “reinvent Wacker’s Manual as a graphic novel with students and their lives at the center,” according to the project’s Kickstarter page.
After a competition to find the book’s artists, No Small Plans moved ahead in production with the result being a 144-page color graphic novel that follows the neighborhood adventures of teens in Chicago’s past, present, and future. The first chapter depicts Chicago in 1928, the second in 2017, and the third in 2211.
The Kickstarter campaign has already easily surpassed its $20,000 goal and currently sits at $45,000. The original $20,000 goal allowed for the Chicago Architecture Foundation to get 2,000 copies of the graphic novel into the hands of Chicago teens. Two stretch goals of $30,000 and $40,000 have already been reached with each one meaning an additional 1,000 copies of No Small Plans will make their way to Chicago teens this year. If the final stretch goal of $50,000 is reached within the next 6 days (as of April 24), the Chicago Architecture Foundation will be able to achieve its ultimate goal of giving 5,000 copies of the graphic novel to Chicago teens by the end of this year.
No Small Plans supports Illinois civic education requirements and is intended for students in sixth through tenth grade. You can view the project’s Kickstarter campaign here.
Related Stories
Urban Planning | Jan 13, 2020
Henning Larsen designs all-timber neighborhood for Copenhagen
The project hopes to set a standard for how modern communities can live in harmony with nature.
Urban Planning | Jan 8, 2020
BIG partners with Toyota to unveil Toyota Woven City
It will be the world’s first urban incubator dedicated to the advancement of all aspects of mobility.
Urban Planning | Jan 3, 2020
BIG unveils Downtown Brooklyn Public Realm vision
BIG and WXY Architects are co-leading the project.
Urban Planning | Nov 22, 2019
Culdesac Tempe will be the country’s first from-scratch, car-free neighborhood
The neighborhood is scheduled to launch in 2020.
Sustainability | Nov 8, 2019
South Korea plans to build three hydrogen-powered cities by 2022
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport is in charge of the project.
Urban Planning | Nov 6, 2019
Does investment in public transit pay off in economic development and growth?
Despite recent data about ridership declines, a new report on mass transit is optimistic.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Oct 7, 2019
Central Park’s Lasker Rink and Pool to undergo $150 million restoration project
The project will be the largest the Central Park Conservancy has ever undertaken.
Cultural Facilities | Aug 28, 2019
Seattle’s newest substation doubles as a civic amenity
The Denny Substation includes 44,000 sf of open space that invites local residents and visitors to frequent the complex.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Slower speed limits in urban areas offer multiple benefits
Improved safety, better adoption of electric scooters and autonomous vehicles are possible if drivers ease off the accelerator.
Urban Planning | Aug 27, 2019
Pop-up parks revitalize empty lots
Pop-up parks that provide instant open areas for public use and programming can revitalize under-utilized spaces and add vibrancy to neighborhoods.