Who is the architect known for the city beautiful movement and designs in Chicago and Washington DC?

The city beautiful movement aimed to introduce beautification and monumental grandeur in urban planning, emphasizing environmental harmony, civic pride, and the moral benefits of aesthetic design. Daniel Burnham is closely associated with this movement, particularly due to his comprehensive planning work in cities like Chicago and Washington, D.C., where he promoted the integration of public spaces, parks, and grand architectural designs into urban environments.

Burnham's involvement in significant projects, such as the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago and the 1909 Plan of Chicago, showcased his vision for a more aesthetically pleasing urban landscape. His belief that city planning could contribute to the public's wellbeing and foster community spirit reinforced the principles of the city beautiful movement.

In contrast, other figures like Clarence Perry focused on neighborhood planning and the concept of the neighborhood unit, while Paolo Soleri is known for Arcology and approaches that integrate architecture and ecology. Clarence Stein contributed to regional planning and the early concepts of neighborhood units, but none had the same direct connection to the city beautiful movement as Burnham. Thus, Burnham stands out as the leading figure associated with this particular urban design philosophy.