Architecture Tour I

This is the Art Institute.  One of two buildings that still exist that were built for the Columbian Exhibition of 1893 which celebrated the 400th anniversary of Columbus discovering America.  The architects argued over what school of architecture would be employed for the exhibition and the Beaux Arts guys won.

This is an example of the Chicago School of Architecture.  The buildings are brick and terracotta.  After the Chicago fire, no buildings could be built in Chicago out of wood.  Since terracotta had already been baked, it was fireproof.

This was our guide.  She was really awesome.  This is the Marquette Building, dedicated to the discovery of Joliet and Marquette of the passage from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River.  This connection made Chicago the center of trade for the Midwest.

Inside this building are bas relief of everyone on the expedition.

Next is an Art Deco building.  Notice the verticality and that the building is shaped like an armchair.  This was a result of zoning ordinances passed in cities building skyscrapers so that some sunlight and air would get down to the street.

The interior is meant to look like an ocean liner.

The courtyard in front of the Board of Trade.

This is the Fischer Building which is still upscale apartments.

This is the new Harold Washington Library, an example of Post Modernism.  There are touches of many older styles all tied together to created a striking building.