Arts in the Dark Exhibition

Project Partner
Chicago Architecture Center

Project Mission
To make architecture accessible, engaging, and participatory by reimagining iconic Chicago spaces.

This exhibition presents architect-designed headpieces inspired by beloved spaces in Chicago, originally created for the 2024 Arts in the Dark Parade. By translating a one-night public performance into a gallery setting, the exhibition extends the life of the work and deepens public engagement with architecture. Headpieces were paired with personal anecdotes from each architect, revealing the design decisions and personal connections behind each piece. Serving as curatorial lead and exhibition designer, we sought to bring architectural ideas to a broader public, highlighting architecture’s role in shaping our shared environment.

Deepening Public Engagement with Architecture
With its playful, human-scale approach to architectural storytelling and focus on public engagement, the exhibition became one of the Chicago Architecture Center’s most popular shows. The design paired with personal anecdotes from each architect, offering insight into their design choices and connection to place. Through thoughtful layout, material contrasts, and playful presentation, the exhibition extended the spirit of the parade and encouraged visitors to see architecture as something present in everyday life.

Strengthening Ties Amongst Architects
2025 marked the formation of the inaugural Architects’ Guild, recognizing architects' significant contributions to the city's cultural legacy. The guild was led by APB founder Chana Haouzi, and parade artistic director Mark Kelly, retired commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. It brought together forty-three architects to celebrate their creativity, passion for design, and love for Chicago. Each architect crafted a headpiece inspired by one of their favorite spaces in the city. Together, they marched down State Street, connecting their work with Chicago’s cultural life.

Creating Dialogue with Architectural History
Architects have long explored the intersection of fashion and architecture. Held in New York’s Hotel Astor, the 1931 Beaux-Arts Ball and its now-iconic photograph of architects dressed as skyscrapers marked a departure from the event’s traditionally retrospective themes (above left). Decades later, the enduring image of the 1931 Beaux-Arts Ball continues to inspire. Architectural Head Games continues this legacy. By bringing imaginative designs to the streets of Chicago, the project invites the public to celebrate Chicago’s architectural heritage through a fresh and playful lens.

Reengaging the Public
The Chicago Architecture Center hosted a Teen Saturday Studio, where 24 students explored the exhibition and designed headpieces inspired by their favorite places in the city. Each student was photographed in their creation, and to create their own gallery wall. Through a hands-on workshop, the project showed how celebrating the built environment in imaginative and accessible ways can foster connection, spark creativity, and invite the public into deeper engagement with the spaces around them.

Architecture for Public Benefit Team
Chana Haouzi

Collaborators
Chicago Architecture Center, Client
Eve Fineman and Chana Haouzi, Exhibition Curators
Mark Kelly and Chana Haouzi, Architects’ Guild Parade Curators
Featured Exhibition Headpieces by: Alina Nazmeeva, Nootan Bharani, Vero Rose Smith, Adam Fogel, Juan Suarez, Hope Dinsmore, James Silvestro, Monica Chadha, Joseph Altshuler, Annabelle Ren, Sharon Xu, Robert Becker

Awards
AIA Chicago People’s Choice Award Finalist, 2025