Imagine growing up in a place where architectural marvels shaped the landscape of your life. You’d learn in a multi-level, open-plan elementary school, traversing between classrooms with slides. Your junior school would be a collection of towers connected by colorful tunnels, before graduating to the grandeur of a brutalist high school. University would be a haven within sleek glass walls, and even church services would take place beneath a space-age tipi.
Such an architectural wonderland exists, nestled unexpectedly amidst the vast agricultural plains of Indiana. here, amidst farmers’ market signs and White Castle restaurants, lies Columbus, a small city that defies expectations by housing an remarkable collection of modernist gems.
In 1970, The New York Times declared Columbus, "Seldom, if ever, has so small a community contained so many examples of innovative architectural achievements." Locals proudly dubbed it "the Athens of the prairie," a moniker it upholds to this day.
This architectural utopia owes its existence to Joseph Irwin Miller, a wealthy industrialist with a fervent belief in the power of design to improve society. Miller sought to elevate the standing of his familyS business, Cummins Engine Company, by attracting the finest engineers in the world.To achieve this, he envisioned transforming Columbus into the most enticing community of its size, a haven to attract the best minds.
He had the foresight to understand that exceptional design didn’t have to be extortionately expensive. His vision wasn’t centered on creating a company town controlled from above, à la Victorian industrial paternalism. Instead,the city itself was the client,funding public buildings as usual while the Cummins Engine Foundation covered architects’ fees,provided thay were selected from a curated list featuring the day’s most celebrated talent. "We believe nothing is more expensive than mediocrity," their statement boldly declared.
Architects were given a minimum year to meticulously develop their designs, responsible not only for the structure itself, but for interior finishes, furnishings, and even recommendations for landscaping. What resulted was a symphony of unification,with each building,both inside and out,meticulously conceived as a single harmonious work of art.
Columbus frequently enough chose architects early in their career, recognizing that established, big-name architects often came with inflated egos and less patience. Frank Lloyd wright was never considered, his known persona not conducive to collaborative creativity.
Wandering through Columbus reveals an unexpected and delightful diversity of styles. The public library designed by I.M. Pei, later to design the glass pyramid for the louvre, appears from the outside as a modest brick structure. Inside, a breathtaking sequence unfolds under a concrete waffle slab ceiling, with reading areas nestled at various levels around verdant indoor gardens.
Across the street stands a minimalist cubic church by Eliel Saarinen, father of Eero saarinen, a structure that predates the official Columbus mentorship program and ignited the city’s modernist wave.
Just a block away, the former Irwin Union Bank, designed by the younger Saarinen in 1954, embodies democratic banking ideals through a sprawling, Miesian pavilion. This welcoming space, intended to feel less formidable than the traditional bank, welcomes visitors with large windows and open counters. Its shallow domes and brick floors aimed to create a relaxed atmosphere, a space where farmers in work boots could feel at ease. This pioneering design, including a convenient drive-thru section, went on to influence the architecture of countless banks across the country.
Two miles north, near a dream home designed for the Millers, stands the other major Saarinen contribution to Columbus - a magnificent structure that couldn’t be more different from the bank. A hexagonal slate tent seemingly poised for liftoff, reaching towards the sky with a spire piercing 60 meters into the air. this architectural marvel, designed concurrently with St. Louis’ Gateway Arch and new York’s TWA Terminal, is North Christian Church.
The congregation has dwindled,but the church,which Saarinen himself considered one of his finest works,will soon be reborn as a library outpost.
Inspired by saarinen’s vision, the city’s public schools offer a glimpse into progressive educational ideals of the 1960s and 70s. Architects who frequented Saarinen’s circle furthered his legacy in these spaces.
Columbus wasn’t just about cultivating pleasing mid-century modernism, as some might assume. It was about harnessing global technological advancements to offer a tangible vision of a better future. Miller passed away in 2004, and the program hasn’t quite recreated the same magic in recent years, witnessing choices of well-established architectural firms rather of nurturing talent.
But recent developments at the local airport, where the acclaimed architect marlon Blackwell won an open competition to design a new air-control tower, suggest a return to a focus on fresh voices. The Landmark Columbus Foundation, responsible for the book this article highlights, also organizes a biennial architectural festival, "Exhibit Columbus," bringing a diverse range of architects to the city, raising awareness of its legacy and encouraging the city’s stewards to aim high.
The Columbus example offers a powerful antidote to the current climate,where a possible return to a neoclassical style threatens the ambition for innovative public architecture. The timeless housing stock of Columbus serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of choosing creativity and forward-thinking design for the public good.
While American Modern: The Architecture of Columbus, Indiana, the book mentioned in this piece, guides readers through this architectural wonderland, it’s the physical act of exploring Columbus that truly allows visitors to appreciate these magnificent structures.
– How does the architecture in Columbus influence the creativity and identity of its residents?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Architectural Expert, Dr. Emily Hastings
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Hastings! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss an architectural wonder situated in the heart of Indiana: Columbus. So, let’s start with a big question. What makes Columbus, Indiana, so distinct in its architectural landscape?
Dr. Hastings: Thank you for having me! Columbus is truly an architectural gem. Its distinctiveness lies in the sheer volume and quality of modernist architecture packed into a small city. As you mentioned, it’s been dubbed “the Athens of the prairie” for good reason. The community prioritized exceptional design over time, and that commitment to architecture is woven through the entire cityscape.
Time.news Editor: It’s engaging how the community came together to embrace thes architectural innovations.How did the vision of Joseph Irwin Miller shape this unique environment?
Dr. Hastings: Miller’s impact cannot be overstated. He understood that architecture could transform the quality of life and create an attractive environment for talent. His innovative approach involved funding public buildings while ensuring that the architects were among the best. The decision to engage young, less-known architects was strategic—it fostered creativity and collaboration. Miller believed firmly in the idea that “nothing is more expensive than mediocrity,” and his commitment to this belief led to an impressive collection of buildings.
Time.news Editor: That’s a compelling philosophy! so, you mentioned the involvement of emerging architects. Can you elaborate on why miller chose to work with them rather than established names?
Dr. Hastings: Absolutely! Miller recognized that established architects often came with their own agendas and egos that might conflict with a collaborative vision. By selecting rising stars, Miller ensured that each project had architects who were open-minded and ready to explore new ideas. This approach yielded fresh, innovative designs tailored to the needs of the community, resulting in a harmonious aesthetic throughout Columbus.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating how Miller’s foresight cultivated a sense of unity in design. Could you share an exmaple of a building or structure in Columbus that embodies this philosophy?
Dr. Hastings: Certainly! The Cleo Rogers Memorial library is a prime example. Designed by architect Earl H. H. Sykes, it’s an elegant blend of form and function, featuring stunning masonry and furniture that complements the overall design. This is a hallmark of Columbus architecture, where the details—like interior finishes and landscaping—are just as important as the exterior façade. This synergy creates a seamless experience as you move through the space.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a truly immersive environment. How does Columbus’s architecture impact its residents’ daily lives?
Dr. Hastings: The architecture of Columbus shapes not only the physical environment but also the community’s identity and pride. Living in a space designed with intention and artistry encourages creativity, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.For children, attending schools with unique architectural features fosters creativity from an early age, which is invaluable. It’s more than just aesthetics; it influences how people perceive their community and their potential within it.
Time.news Editor: That’s an enlightening outlook! As urban development continues to evolve, what lessons do you think other cities can learn from Columbus?
Dr. Hastings: Columbus teaches us the importance of intentionality in design and the value of community partnership. A collaborative approach between local government, businesses, and architects can yield unusual results. It doesn’t always require vast resources; rather, a shared vision and commitment to quality can elevate even the smallest communities. Other cities could benefit from looking beyond conventional methods and embracing innovative ideas that prioritize people and environment.
Time.news Editor: Wise words! Dr. Hastings, it’s been a pleasure diving into the architectural richness of Columbus with you today. Thank you for sharing your insights!
dr. Hastings: Thank you for having me! I hope more people take an interest in Columbus and the architectural stories it has to offer. It truly is a remarkable place.