ONLINE PROGRAM THROUGH ZOOM

Members’ Virtual Tour: Mid-Century Modern and Post-Modern Architecture in Chicago’s Loop

Bob Sutter, Chicago Architecture Center certified docent

Virtually walk the streets of Chicago with Chicago Architecture Center certified docent Bob Sutter. Chicago was home base for the development of Ludwig Mies von der Rohe’s Mid-Century Modernist style. Hear about one of his final designs, 111 E Wacker Drive, and understand what made this style revolutionary and eventually pervasive worldwide.  We will explore the unique podium design of Illinois Center built on the bank of the Chicago River on the “air rights” above a railroad yard. On the opposite side of the river, we will focus on another modernist building, 401 N. Michigan, to highlight the engineering achievements of the famous firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, including their pioneering female architect, Natalie de Blois. We will then move on to another SOM-designed structure, the NBC Tower, to enjoy a dramatic example of Postmodernism, the 1980s contrary response to Modernism. We will wrap up our time together by explaining the concept of contextualism, pointing out nuances of the historic Tribune Tower that influenced the design of the neighboring NBC Tower.

Members-only program, no fee