COLUMBUS, Ind. — The once-in-a-generation publication American Modern: Architecture, Community, Columbus, Indiana, officially launches worldwide today. The book, written by Matt Shaw and photographed by Iwan Baan, is jointly published by The Monacelli Press and Landmark Columbus Foundation. Studio Lin designed the book.
American Modern is the first in-depth publication about Columbus that demonstrates the unique convergence of civic, industrial, and social forces that produced the preeminent laboratory of architectural modernism in the country.
The non-profit organization responsible for raising funds and conceptualizing the book, Landmark Columbus Foundation, celebrated the launch of the organization’s publication with two Indiana events at architecturally significant venues: the Former North Christian Church in Columbus, designed by Eero Saarinen (1964) and the Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) in Indianapolis, Indiana, designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes (1966).
“We are so proud to have this book available around the world,” said Richard McCoy, executive director of Landmark Columbus Foundation. “We heard so much praise for this book at our two events here in Indiana and expect a similar reception everywhere.”
Both launch events were created in partnership with Indiana Humanities and Heritage Fund. Keira Amstutz, Indiana Humanities President and CEO welcomed both audiences to celebrate Indiana author Shaw and the publication’s importance for the state of Indiana. Jasmine Yang, recipient of the 2024 Betty F. Brown for Instrumental Excellence and Columbus North High School graduate, provided live classical piano.
On Wednesday, guests experienced the former North Christian Church, a building designed by Eero Saarinen, landscape designed by Dan Kiley, and an interior designed by Alexander Girard. The Columbus program was produced jointly with the Bartholomew County Public Library (BCPL). It included an introduction byJason Hatton, executive director of BCPL, who inducted the newly acquired venue with its first public event. The organization gifted three signed copies to BCPL, one for each library branch. Plus, remarks by Landmark Columbus Foundation board chair Mark Elwood. To conclude the event, City of Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon proclaimed July 10th as “American Modern Day” in Columbus and honored both the authors and organization with a signed and framed proclamation. The interior of the former church was furnished with archival Girard-designed objects, including candelabra and orchid vases, arranged by Ben Wever, Director of the Miller House and Garden.
On Thursday, the book launch was held at the Christian Theological Seminary, a building designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and a landscape designed by Dan Kiley, on the grounds of Butler University. This space is important to Columbus’s modern legacy because J. Irwin Miller chaired the board of the Seminary and ultimately was influential in bringing in Barnes and Kiley. The Indianapolis event was also created in partnership with AIA Indianapolis and Christian Theological Seminary. The Indianapolis program included an introduction by president and professor of theological formation David Mellott and a special building history from Dr. Scott Seay, the William G. Irwin Associate professor of church history, director of library and information services, and co-director of the doctor of ministry program.
Both American Modern launch events featured presentations by American Modern author Matt Shaw and book designer Alex Lin of Studio Lin, with open discussion from the audience. A book signing with the authors concluded both events and Columbus-based independent bookseller Viewpoint Books provided book sales.
