
The Urbanist ‘Designing the American Century’ & ‘Women Architects at Work’
Jul 3, 2025
Thomas J. Campanella, a historian at Cornell, discusses the overlooked contributions of women in architecture and urban design. Mary Ann Hunting and Kevin D. Murphy explore how pioneers like Eleanor Raymond shattered barriers in a male-dominated field. They highlight impactful collaborations and the legacy of female architects who shaped modernism. The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing hidden histories and the evolving representation of women in architecture, inviting listeners to appreciate diversity in urbanism.
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Forgotten Landscape Visionaries
- Gilmore D. Clarke and Michael Rapuano reshaped American cities with public landscapes that launched the age of the automobile.
- Their influence rivals famous figures like Frederick Law Olmsted, yet they are largely forgotten today.
Moses Overshadows Collaborators
- Clarke and Rapuano worked closely with Robert Moses on major projects, though Moses often receives disproportionate credit.
- This dynamic obscured their authorship despite their critical design and consulting roles.
Clarke’s Parkway Innovations
- Early parkways designed by Gilmore Clarke pioneered modern highways and influenced road design globally.
- Robert Moses expanded Clarke’s Westchester parkway model across Long Island, changing regional landscape and transportation.

