Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A fine example of this style is the
Chicago Cultural Center
(see illustration),
78 E. Washington St. (Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge, 1897), originally built as a
public library. This tasteful edifice, with its sumptuous decor, was constructed
in part to help secure Chicago's reputation as a culture-conscious city.
Master Builders: Sullivan, Wright & Mies
Visitors from around the world flock to Chicago to see the ground-
breaking work of three major architects: Sullivan, Wright, and Mies.
They all lived and worked in the Windy City, leaving behind a legacy
of innovative structures that still inspire architects today. Here's the
rundown on each of them:
Louis Sullivan (1865-1924)
•
Quote:
“Form ever follows function.”
•
Chicago buildings:
Auditorium Building, 430 S. Michigan Ave. (Adler
& Sullivan, 1887-89); James Charnley House, 1365 Astor St. (Adler &
Sullivan, with Frank Lloyd Wright, 1892); and Carson Pirie Scott &
Co., 1 S. State St. (1899, 1903, with later additions).
•
Innovations:
Father of the Chicago school, Sullivan was perhaps at
his most original in the creation of his intricate, nature-inspired
ornamentation, examples of which cover the entrance to Carson
Pirie Scott & Co.
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959)
•
Quote:
“Nature is my manifestation of God.”
•
Chicago buildings:
Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, 951 Chicago
Ave., Oak Park (1889-1911); Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park
(1905-08); The Rookery, 209 S. LaSalle St. (interior renovation, 1907);
and Frederick C. Robie House, 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave., Hyde Park
(1909).
•
Innovations:
While in Chicago, Wright developed the architecture
of the Prairie School, a largely residential style combining natural
materials, an intercommunication between interior and exterior
spaces, and the sweeping horizontals of the Midwestern landscape.
(For tours of Wright's home and studio, see “Exploring the 'Burbs,”
beginning on p. 200.)
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969)
•
Quote:
“Less is more.”
•
Chicago buildings:
860-880 N. Lake Shore Dr. (1949-51); S.R. Crown
Hall, 3360 S. State St. (1956); and Chicago Federal Center, Dearborn
St. between Adams St. and Jackson Blvd. (1959-74).
•
Innovations:
Mies van der Rohe brought the office tower of steel
and glass to the United States. His stark facades don't immediately
reveal his careful attention to details and materials. (For more on
Mies van der Rohe, see this chapter's section 6, “International
Style.”)
