"...Why Chicago? The city was chosen as the epitome of the city of Modernity, where infrastructural, engineering, planning, architectural and technological innovations coalesced to outline an urban culture and landscape that speak of the aspirations and ambitions, as well as achievements and failures, of our modern times. ...The students were also challenged to develop urban and building designs that ought to evolve from a deep understanding of the city of Chicago and of its history and ethos, as well as verifying and applying the principles of the disciplines (structures, digital modeling, and building technology) concurring to the experience of the studio/laboratory. ...Most importantly, we hope that this volume will contribute to inspire future generations to envision the modern city and our life in post-pandemic times, within the philosophical framework (as outlined and discussed by others, namely Jürgen Habermas) by which Modernity is (still) an unfinished project." (from: "Preface" by Maurizio Sabini).