“Make no little plans” is a portion of terrific a quote by the great Daniel Burnham. It rings as true today as ever.

I grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. The original square mile of downtown was designed by Alexander Ralston, a student of Pierre Charles L’Enfant, the designer of Washington D.C. As a result, it seems natural that to me that there should be no such thing as small plans. I attribute a large part of my love of city planning to the fact that I grew up in a city where magical plans were the norm. Those grand plans and many others “stirred my blood” just as Daniel Burnham said they would.

Obviously, to some degree all cities and towns are planned – otherwise they would be a jumble of chaotic confusion (though some still are). However these particular large cities that I have listed below are ten of my favorite plans. Most still retain key aspects of the designer’s concepts that were first put to paper so long ago.

Detroit, Michigan – 1807 plan by Augustus Woodward

Detroit’s 1807 Plan is easily my favorite. The geometric symmetry, Grand Circus, and the radial streets are spectacular. It is s design that is much more interesting than traditional grid patterns.

My only mild criticism of the plan is that I would have preferred more emphasis on the city’s stunning and international namesake – “de troit” (the strait created by the Detroit River). Quite a bit of the original layout remains intact today and should be treasured by planners, historians, residents and visitors.

Edinburgh, Scotland- 1768 plan for New Town by James Craig

Instead of redesigning the narrow streets of Old Town and destroying its charming character, James Craig envisioned and created a whole New Town just to its north. Utterly amazing how the two have coalesced into one magnificent and magical city. Fell in love with both Old Town and New Town Edinburgh during my 2009 visit to this great Scottish capital city.

Chicago, Illinois – 1909 plan by Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett

Never fully implemented, but a masterpiece to behold, the 1909 plan for Chicago would have completely reshaped the center city.The greatest aspect of the plan, miles of public parks along the Lake Michigan shoreline that are enjoyed by millions each year. The dream of continuing the beach and parks all the way to the Indiana state line is in the process of being fulfilled.

Canberra, Australia – 1913 plan by Walter Burley Griffin

A fascinating and truly unique design. The name for the city, which is said to mean “meeting place” is absolutely perfect. The city is on my planner’s bucket list of places to see.

St. Petersburg, Russia – 1744 plan of the city

The namesake capital city built by Tsar Peter the Great upon the Neva River delta. Could not find an original plan on the net, so this one from 1744 will have to do. Also on my list of places to see.

Belo Horizonte, Brazil – 1895 plan by Aarão Reis and Francisco Bicalho

Another interesting city design incorporating radial street patterns – this one from Belo Horizonte, Brazil in South America.

Savannah, Georgia – 1734 plan by James Oglethorpe

Much more fascinating to see in person than on a map, Savannah is a charming Southern city with a stunning design that emphasizes the lovely park squares.

Indianapolis, Indiana – 1821 plan by Alexander Ralston

Sort of a hybrid between grid and radial street patterns, Indianapolis was blessed with a lovely layout. Unfortunately, some of the radiating streets have been lost to new development pressures – sad mistake given the unique character they give the city. My only revision to the original would have been to place the center city a little closer to the White River.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – 1683 plan by William Penn

Another grid design, but uniquely filling the isthmus between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. The five squares add a touch of flair and open space. City Hall with a statue of William Penn atop sits in Centre Square – until recently the tallest building in the city. Logan, Rittenhouse, Franklin, and Washington squares complete Penn’s plan for the city of brotherly love.

Washington, DC – 1791 plan by Pierre Charles L’Enfant

Don’t get me wrong, I like Washington, DC, but some of the public spaces are a tad super-sized to me. Perhaps that was L’Enfant’s intent, but I prefer the other segments of the city like Georgetown and Dupont Circle for their style and flair.



