Carla Clark | For The Republic The cover of “American Modern: Architecture, Community, Columbus Indiana” coffee table book still at the top of local bestseller list.
Landmark Columbus Foundation is celebrating its new, critically acclaimed publication, “American Modern: Architecture, Community, Columbus, Indiana,” with events in major cities across the U.S.
Published in partnership with The Monacelli Press, the book captures Columbus, Indiana’s modernist legacy and was launched this summer to widespread acclaim. Building on this success, Landmark Columbus Foundation is hosting events in New York City, Palm Springs, and more, connecting with audiences through the book’s compelling exploration of design’s role in shaping communities.
“This book represents a major milestone, not only for Landmark Columbus Foundation but also for everyone who values the role of architecture in community identity,” said Jamie Goldsborough, creative director at Landmark Columbus Foundation. “By sharing Columbus’s design heritage through rich narratives and contemporary photography, we hope to spark new dialogues on architecture’s transformative power for communities today.”
The launch of “American Modern” began in July with two successful events in Indiana, featuring author Matt Shaw and designer Alex Lin. Held at the former North Christian Church (designed by Eero Saarinen, 1964) in Columbus and the Christian Theological Society (designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes, 1966) in Indianapolis, these celebrations attracted significant audiences and resulted in robust book sales.
Upcoming events around the nation include:
American Modern The Columbus Update
Date: Nov. 18
Location: New York Center for Architecture
Details: Landmark Columbus Foundation leaders will discuss the convergence of architecture, civic leadership, and community collaboration that defines Columbus. Highlights include updates on the Miller House and Garden and new tourism initiatives designed to engage wider audiences. Guests will also learn about the Foundation’s 5th Cycle of Exhibit Columbus and the “Progressive Preservation” approach as a model for cultural heritage stewardship. “American Modern” will be available for purchase at the event.
Speakers at the NYCA event include:
- Richard McCoy, Executive Director, Landmark Columbus Foundation
- Jamie Goldsborough, Creative Director, Landmark Columbus Foundation
- Ben Wever, Site Administrator, Miller House and Garden
- Erin Hawkins, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications, Columbus Area Visitors Center
- Matt Shaw in Conversation with Grant Gibson
Date: Nov. 18
Location: University of Illinois at Chicago School of Architecture
Details: American Modern author Matt Shaw will present a lecture, followed by a discussion with architect and educator Grant Gibson, known for his work in Columbus with Columbus House #1.
Palm Springs Modernism Week
Date: February 13–23
Location: Palm Springs, California
Details: Creative Director Jamie Goldsborough, author Matt Shaw, and photographer Iwan Baan will participate in Palm Springs Modernism Week, exploring Columbus’s design heritage within a broader context of modernism in America.
About “American Modern: Architecture, Community, Columbus, Indiana”
American Modern, authored by Columbus native Matt Shaw and featuring Iwan Baan’s evocative photography, delves into Columbus’s modernist roots and its impact on American architectural heritage. Jointly published by The Monacelli Press and Landmark Columbus Foundation, with design by Studio Lin, the book has earned praise for its insightful storytelling and striking visuals.
“Through this book, we aim to share Columbus’s story and inspire ongoing efforts to protect and expand our shared cultural heritage,” said Richard McCoy, Executive Director of Landmark Columbus Foundation. “We are thrilled to bring this unique narrative to audiences in cities like New York and beyond.”
About the authors
Matt Shaw is a Columbus native, writer, editor, and former executive editor of The Architect’s Newspaper. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, and Artforum.
Iwan Baan is an internationally recognized photographer whose work highlights architecture within the social context.
Studio Lin, founded by Alex Lin, is a NYC-based graphic design practice focusing on art and design collaborations.
