Designing a City: Norman Bel Geddes and Toledo

Toledo was abuzz in 1945 when Norman Bel Geddes, one of the most celebrated designers in America at that time, was commissioned to produce a plan for the city. He called it Toledo Tomorrow, and it was a bold proposal intended to position Toledo to become a regional hub. Geddes was well-known for his ideas on the future of cities (flying cars! aerodynamic buses!), but this was his only proposal for a particular place.

Andreas Luescher and Shtetty Sujata spoke on how this plan, though never implemented, has had an impact on Toledo.

Sujata Shetty, Ph.D., is the Director of the Jack Ford Urban Affairs Center and a professor in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Toledo. Andreas Luescher, Ph.D., is a Swiss architect who is currently a Professor of Teaching Excellence, Professor of Architecture, and Chair of Architecture and Environmental Design at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

The lecture was part of Lourdes University's Lifelong Learning Monthly Lecture Series. The series aims to bring outstanding speakers to our community.

Knowledge Stream is made possible by a generous gift provided by the Appold Family Charitable Fund.