Modern Architecture Was Born In Chicago

Chicago is a city rich in history dating back to the 1600s when two French Explorers passed through what is now Chicago. Jean Baptiste Point du Sable a fur trader was the first European settler in Chicago where he built the first settlement at the mouth of the Chicago River in 1779. But Chicago is more than it’s history. It s the birth place of modern architecture.

For more than 100 years Chicago has been recognized throughout the world as the capital of both historical and contemporary landmarks of modern architecture. It’s modern architecture has set the stage for metropolitan building around the world. There is not another city in the world that has the vitality and quality of buildings design from just one century.

From the unique architecture bungalows found throughout the neighborhoods to the outstanding architecture found in high rise buildings there simply is no other city that can compare.

Chicago had the talents of several important architects such as William LeBaron Jenney, Holabird and Roche, and Louis H. Sullivan to name just a few. They had a very pragmatic approach to the design of both industrial and commercial buildings which resulted in the invention of the first skyscrapers in the world, and was followed by the perfection of the skyscraper. Today’s architects look to these icons for much of our current design platforms. Today these structures are described as truly American.

As a result of these fine architecture historians around the world have given Chicago many pet names such as “Rival of Baroque Rome,” or “Paris of the Midwest.” The recognition for architecture design in Chicago goes much further than just buildings. It incorporates bridges and parks as well.

From the 1920s to current times the innovation of Chicago’s architecture continues to impress both the locals and people around the world. Chicago architects like Mies van der Rohe, Skidmore, Bertrand Goldberg, and Holabird as well as many other architects continue to ensure that Chicago remains an important architectural role model for the rest of the world.

Many of the architects in Chicago actually have come from various places around the world. They were drawn to the Chicago because of it’s architecture history and its enthusiasm to continue to strive for practical, strong, and unique architecture in their building structures.

The Sears Towers is one of the buildings that received the most recognition for its technical achievements. The sky towers for NBC and AT&T have fueled plenty of debate. These two most current building has evoked the same controversy as some of the earlier building did. From an architects point of view this is successful.

Chicago has carried its architecture throughout the city. It’s not limited to skyscrapers in the core or buildings in the industrial areas. The multicultural heritage with associated building structures are home to over four million people from around the world, and visitors from around the world come to view these uniquely designed communities.

If you enjoy exploring new cities and have a passion for the art of architecture then you should certainly put the City of Chicago on your list of places to visit! You’ll not only be amazed you’ll be impressed!

Aura Mirchandani is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit ArticleClick.com. Article Click is a free content article directory.