A new exhibition in this mecca of design aims to rekindle its innovative spirit There?s something magical about the streets of Columbus, Indiana, in the late August heat. While strolling downtown?s brick-paved walkways mid-afternoon, the buzz of insects in the trees creates a constant, low-level hum. Packs of elementary school students in gym class run in circles through the city, their conversation and laughter filling the air. As if anticipating the expectations of visitors, strangers in this Midwestern town really do stop to say hello.
Still, amid the small town charm and rows of Victorian buildings, Columbus is as much about the bold future as the warmly nostalgic past. Just look up at the architecture. Thanks to the patronage of J. Irwin Miller, the area?s midcentury industrial titan, this small city of 46,000 boasts more modern architectural marvels per capita than just about anywhere else in the country, and perhaps the world. And late last week, with the opening of its new design festival, Exhibit Columbus, which runs through November 26, local leaders are inviting visitors to both reconsider and reshape the city?s innovative nature.
Hadley Fruits
Window to Columbus, a temporary exhibit and pop-up museum designed by Formafantasma.

Described by a participating designer Yugon Kim as a ?conversation between buildings,? the opening weekend of Exhibit Columbus offered both a celebration of the city?s past, and a small preview of a more ...