Concrete Culture: Chicago and Beyond (What We Have)

“Concrete Culture: Chicago and Beyond” situates Chicago’s concrete legacy within global conversations, drawing together architects, engineers, historians, preservationists, and artists to examine how this material continues to shape spatial experiences and urban narratives. Structured around three themes—"What We Have,” “What We Are Doing,” and “What We Might Do”—the program moves from history to present practice to future possibilities, fostering dialogue on concrete’s past inheritances, contemporary uses, and speculative potentials. Day 1: Opening remarks by Judith De Jong and Stewart Hicks Session 1: “What We Have” This panel examines Chicago's concrete legacy, exploring iconic buildings, influential figures, and cultural narratives that have defined the city’s-built environment. Moderated by Alexander Eisenschmidt (Professor of Architecture, UIC). Panelists: Robert Bruegmann (Professor Emeritus of Art History, UIC), Iker Gil (Founding Partner, MAS Studio, Chicago), Thomas Leslie (Professor of Architecture, UIUC), Amy Slaton (Professor of History, Drexel University, Philadelphia). “Concrete Culture: Chicago and Beyond,” organized by Stewart Hicks, Judith De Jong, and Daniela Osorio Sanudo, was an international conference held on October 3-4, 2025, that explored the cultural, ecological, and architectural significance of concrete. For more information, visit https://concreteculture.uic.edu Video produced by Truth & Documentary (https://truthanddocumentary.org)