What happens when over 40 architects create interpretive headpieces celebrating their favorite spatial moments in Chicago? As part of the inaugural Architects’ Guild, a collaboration between Architecture for Public Benefit and AIA Chicago to participate in the Arts in the Dark parade, we were invited to design a headpiece celebrating a beloved Chicago architectural monument. We chose to celebrate Bertrand Goldberg’s River City, a sculptural Brutalist icon along the Chicago River.
In translating the monumental architecture into a headpiece, Josh’s love of 80’s and 90’s professional wrestling provided an unexpected interpretive lens: a mash-up between River City and Road Warrior Hawk’s signature reverse mohawk, combining two Chicago powerhouses. The resulting design transforms River City’s distinctive River Road atrium into a glowing, color-shifting LED centerpiece. Utilizing 3D modeling and printing, the headpiece was mounted on a modified bicycle helmet for wearability. Flanking the glowing “River Road” atrium, are miniaturized representations of the building’s one-bedroom modules, whose arrangement creates its distinctive S-curve silhouette. The result is a dramatic homage to the visionary architecture, maximized for the theatricality and spectacle of the parade.
Participants: Adam Fogel, Akima Brackeen, Alina Nazmeeva, Annabell Ren, Antonio Torres, Chana Haouzi, Dillon Pranger, Elizabeth Blasius, Ella Edelstein, Jan Concepcion, Emerson Rice, Emmett Mach, Eve Fineman, Hamza Sadiq, Hope Dinsmore, James Silvestro, Jason Meyering, Jessie LaFree, John Wagner, Joseph Altshuler, Josh Mings, Juan Suarez, Katherine Darnstadt, Kirsten Landmark Masih, Krista Weir, Lindsey Krug, Michal Ojrzanowski, Monica Chadha, Myles Emmons, Nootan Bharani, Palmyra Geraki, Philana Quan, Robert Becker, Rogelio Cadena, Samantha Rich, Sharon Xu, Tony Hurtig, Trent Fredrickson, Uthman Olowa, Vero Rose Smith, Vincent Calabro, Wei Yu, Zack Morrison
Project Information
Project Type: Parade headpiece as part of Architect’s Guild delegation for the Arts in the Dark Parade
Specifications: 3D Printed headpiece, approximately 2′ x 1′-6″ x 2′, 8 lbs
Team: Josh Mings, Katia Astudillo
Photography (except River City photos by Josh): Erielle Bakkum Photography
Links: Architectural Head Games Exhibition at Chicago Architecture Center through May 31, 2025
WGN TV Spotlight Chicago segment on the Architects’ Guild
Archinect: Chicago Architecture Center opens show on wearable architecture inspired by the city
Block Club Chicago: Famous Chicago Buildings Turned Into Hats At Chicago Architecture Center Exhibit
