ATDTDA (12): The Chicago School

[David Morris]

On 7/4/07, Paul Nightingale <isreading at btinternet.com> wrote:
> In Chicago, "the conglomeration of architectural styles" (336) represent the modernist dream.

Sorry, Paul.  The architect in me couldn't let this statement stand.
This may only be a semantic misunderstanding, but "modernist" has some
very clearly understood aspects, especially in architecture, and a
"conglomeration of architectural styles" is actually antithetical to
what was to become a modernist ideal.

Earlier today I sent a post with this description of the state of
"culture" at the time in question:

-------------
This would be right in the middle of what has been called the
"American Renaissance," a period of booming growth in the US, but
culturally very dependant on Europe's past greatness. But, then again,
Europe's own cultural greatness was in it's past. "Revivalist" and
"Neo" this or that art and architectural style of the
past held sway for quite a while on both sides of the Atlantic,
eventually to give way to expressions of "Modernism."
--------------

Chicago WAS at the forefront of the skyscraper building type, a new
form of building without precedent, so inherently "modern."  But it
took a while for a new "style" to emerge that suited this new form.
And until it did, architects applied all of the old styles to the
form, often in very awkward ways.  Frank Lloyd Wright's early mentor,
Louis Sullivan, was a master of this new form, and a leader toward a
new "modern" style that disliked ornamentation for its own sake,
preferring ornamentation resulting from inherent aspects of building
technology.  He was a leader in what would become known as the Chicago
School.

Chicago School:

http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Landmarks/G/GageGroup.html

During the 1880's and '90s, Chicago architects designed buildings with
exteriors clearly expressing their innovative steel-frame
construction. These "Chicago School" buildings have been praised as
important precursors to 20th-century steel-and-glass skyscrapers. In
Chicago, most examples of the style are office buildings in the Loop.

Common characteristics are:

steel-frame construction

masonry cladding, usually terra cotta, clearly emphasizing the steel framing

distinctive three-part windows, with large central fixed panes flanked
by smaller double-hung sash windows

minimal use of ornament


Here are a few of his from Chicago:

http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Landmarks/C/Carsons.html

Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company Building
One of the most important structures in early modern architecture,
famed for its influential modular construction and design. Visionary
architect Louis Sullivan shaped this commercial building--originally
built for the Schlesinger and Mayer department store--into a
dramatically animated structure that inseparably merges beauty and
function. The ornament of the lower two stories is frozen in cast
iron, while at the same time giving the impression of being in fluid
motion. It is an excellent example of Sullivan's genius for
architectural ornament.


http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Landmarks/G/GageGroup.html

Gage Group