It is of course fitting that Chicago is the first stop for the Architecture and Design Film Festival after a successful run in New York City last fall. Billed as the first of its kind in the United States, the festival showcases 39 films along panels and book signings from its base at the Gene Siskel Film Center May 5-9. As the brainchild of Kyle Bergman, formerly the producer of a play about Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House and Phillip Johnson's Glass House, kicks off with a special screening at Wright auction house of a film about the same subject by artist and filmmaker Sarah Morris. Points on a Line explores the Plano, Illinois and New Canaan, Connecticut icons of modernism by way of the context in which they were created and now reside, meditating on the upkeep and maintenance of the structures and the complicated roles played by structures that were always much more than houses. more ›

In honor of the legendary Chicago architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who was born on this day in 1886, here's a delightful (and informative!) ear worm for you: more ›

While we're still working on our gingerbread doublewide trailer with a gravel driveway made of sprinkles, Fruit Roll-ups and pretzel sticks carport, Hot Wheels cars on sugar cube blocks and a snack cracker outhouse, we wanted to share with you this item from yesterday's New York Times Sunday Magazine. more ›