DK Travel : Chicago : Architecture

Page
1
2
3

George Maher

A Prairie School architect (1864–1926) who favored Arts and Crafts motifs.
Harry Weese

A Modernist (1915–98), but one sympathetic to existing buildings of merit.
Inland Steel Building

One of the first skyscrapers to be built (in 1957) on steel, not concrete, pilings. It predated the John Hancock building (see John Hancock Center) in using external supports.
James R. Thompson Center

From inside the circular atrium of this magnificent 17-story building (1985), a quick glance up is almost dizzying. Take the elevator to the top for an impressive view of the stunning marble rosette on the concourse level.
Louis H. Sullivan

The creator (1856–1924) of the “form follows function” doctrine designed according to a building’s intended use.
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Minimalist architect (1886–1969) and creator of the modern glass-and-steel box.
Marina City

With its twin cylindrical structures (1964–7) on the Chicago River, marina City is a “city within a city”, containing offices, residences, a theater, a grocery store, and more. The apartments start on the 21st floor, affording spectacular views, but their slice-of-pie shape creates some interior decorating challenges.
Marquette Building

Holabird and Roche also built this 1894 Chicago School structure with a steel skeleton and decorative ornamentation.
Monadnock Building

At 16 stories, this Holabird and Roche designed building (1891) is one of the world’s tallest all-masonry high-rises. Inside, there’s a magnificent wrought-iron staircase.
Monadnock Building

Constructed in two stages, this Loop edifice represents the evolution of skyscraper architecture. The northern half was built in 1891 using solely wall- bearing construction, while the southern half was built two years later and incorporated the then emerging steel-frame technology that is still used today.