American Modern: Architecture, Community, Columbus, Indiana
The first in-depth publication of Columbus, Indiana, and demonstrates the unique convergence of civic, industrial, and social forces that produced the preeminent laboratory of architectural modernism in the country.
Three variations of the American Modern cover, designed by Studio Lin. Available for purchase to support the production of the book.
Columbus, Indiana — A new exhibition of Iwan Baan’s photos with three silkscreen prints by Studio Lin opens at the Columbus Area Visitor Center that previews the new monograph written by Matt Shaw titled American Modern, to be published by Monacelli Press in July 2024.
American Modern is the first in-depth publication of Columbus, Indiana, and demonstrates the unique convergence of civic, industrial, and social forces that produced the preeminent laboratory of architectural modernism in the country.
A new exhibition of never-before-seen photographs of Columbus, Indiana, by legendary photographer Iwan Baan and three silkscreen prints by Studio Lin that expand on the book’s design and cover, is now open at the Columbus Area Visitor Center. The exhibition kicks off a fundraising campaign by Landmark Columbus Foundation to underwrite the production of the book and allows supporters to own a piece of history by having their names listed in the book and receiving one to three of the silkscreen prints.
With 12 framed photograph prints that show Columbus landmarks such as The Robert N. Stewart Bridge (J. Muller International, 1999), North Christian Church (Eero Saarinen, 1966), First Christian Church (Eliel Saarinen, 1942), and the Cleo Rogers Memorial Library (I.M. Pei, 1969), among many others, the exhibition serves as a preview of American Modern: Architecture, Community, Columbus, Indiana, which will be published in July 2024 by Monacelli Press. Written by Matt Shaw and with photographs by Iwan Baan, American Modernwill be the definitive book on Columbus, one of the foremost modernist cities and architecture destinations in the United States. The exhibition also includes three silkscreened prints of variations of the book’s cover designed by Studio Lin.
“Columbus, Indiana, is more than a mecca of modern architecture; it’s an example of how design can help foster a remarkable community. The dozens of buildings and projects by legendary architects—from mid-century titans such as Eero Saarinen and I.M. Pei to contemporary practitioners Deborah Berke and Robert A.M. Stern—remain integral to its urban fabric. This book explores Columbus’s optimistic program of bold new architecture and landscapes, initiated by the legendary industrialist J. Irwin Miller and local leaders, and the generations-long quest to develop the ideal American city through design excellence,” said Richard McCoy, Executive Director of Landmark Columbus Foundation.
The monograph will be published as an ongoing remembrance of the City of Columbus’ 2021 Bicentennial activities and in association with Landmark Columbus Foundation, the civic organization behind the progress of the preservation and promotion of the city’s architectural heritage, as well as the producer of the acclaimed program Exhibit Columbus, a two-year cycle of events that uses the context of Columbus to host conversations around innovative ideas and then commissions site-responsive installations in a free, public exhibition.
Landmark Columbus Foundation is also launching an opportunity for supporters of the book to receive their name listed in the book, a signed copy, and a silkscreen print at the $1,000 and $2,500 levels.
“The exhibition is a beautiful look into American Modern, which has been a deep and extensive investigation into what makes Columbus special. Iwan’s four trips to Columbus—one in each season—and Studio Lin’s exciting book design will bring visual life to the project. They are in harmony with the historical text that illuminates the story of this place, and reminds us of many forgotten narratives, ideas, and figures,” says author Matt Shaw. “As a Columbus native, it is a special opportunity for me to contribute to the legacy of Columbus and to spend time reflecting on what makes this place important.”
Link to Press Kit
Photography credits: Hadley Fruits for Landmark Columbus Foundation
Media Contact
Jamie Goldsborough
jamie@landmarkcolumbus.org
About Landmark Columbus Foundation
Landmark Columbus Foundation (LCF) is a public resource and thought leader for Progressive Preservation in Bartholomew County; an advocate and educator for and about cultural heritage; and a source of inspiration to advance good design for public benefit.
To fulfill its mission, LCF accomplishes Progressive Preservation efforts that assist in caring for buildings, landscapes, and art in Bartholomew County. It serves to educate and advocate for these cultural resources through research, conservation, fundraising, and documentation. It also runs two programmatic arms, Exhibit Columbus and Columbus Design Institute. landmarkcolumbusfoundation.org
