From the very start of the Chicago Loop as we know it in the early 20th century, its architects and their clients have been guided by the search for the most economical and cost-minimizing ways to make office space. Unfortunately this search has, for the most part, produced rather boring office towers. However, a few original skyscrapers do stand out as both unique and beautiful.
One of those surprising stand-outs is the Inland Steel Building. Designed by architects from Skidmore Owings & Merrill and built 1956-57, the building strictly divides its office space from its secondary functions (such as elevators, bathrooms, heating, cooling, etc). While these secondary functions are cordoned off within a windowless steel tower, the adjacent office space is encased within a beautiful turquoise glass curtain wall. By separating these two portions of the building the architects were able to create massive swaths of uninterrupted office floor that could be customized to any client's desired configuration.
What I particularly like about this building is how its glass exterior interacts in the sunlight with the reflective stainless steel covering the load-bearing columns. In a beautiful example of art following structure (much like the dramatic ornamentation encrusting the flying buttresses of a cathedral), the steel and the glass work together to produce a wide range of colors and tones. It's a remarkably striking piece of corporate architecture.
One of those surprising stand-outs is the Inland Steel Building. Designed by architects from Skidmore Owings & Merrill and built 1956-57, the building strictly divides its office space from its secondary functions (such as elevators, bathrooms, heating, cooling, etc). While these secondary functions are cordoned off within a windowless steel tower, the adjacent office space is encased within a beautiful turquoise glass curtain wall. By separating these two portions of the building the architects were able to create massive swaths of uninterrupted office floor that could be customized to any client's desired configuration.
What I particularly like about this building is how its glass exterior interacts in the sunlight with the reflective stainless steel covering the load-bearing columns. In a beautiful example of art following structure (much like the dramatic ornamentation encrusting the flying buttresses of a cathedral), the steel and the glass work together to produce a wide range of colors and tones. It's a remarkably striking piece of corporate architecture.
Photo Study: Inland Steel Building 1
Photo Study: Inland Steel Building 2
Photo Study: Inland Steel Building 3
Photo Study: Inland Steel Building 4
Photo Study: Inland Steel Building 5
Photo Study: Inland Steel Building 6
Photo Study: Inland Steel Building 7
It’s really a cool and helpful piece of information. I am glad that you simply shared this useful info with us.
ReplyDeletePlease keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing
Thanks armando! It's been a while since I updated this blog but I plan on starting a new one in the near future. I'll keep you posted!
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