Chicago Art Deco Style


Advertisement
United States' flag
North America » United States » Illinois » Chicago
August 30th 2008
Published: August 31st 2008
Edit Blog Post

Field BuildingField BuildingField Building

135 S. Lasalle
Sears Tower, John Hancock, "The Bean"and Frank Lloyd Wright are what I usually think of when it comes to Chicago Architecture. Little did I know that there are magnificent Art Deco skyscrapers in this windy city.

Art Deco, originated in Europe, achieved its popularity in 1920s and 30s. Its ideas of "new inspiration and originality" was intended to break away from the classical style. Its characteristics include vertical orientation, setbacks, geometric ornament and influence from ancient art. Art Deco style strove for modern and artistic expression.

Field Building (now Bank of America Building)
Built by Marshall Field, in 1928. Here, the distinct feature of Art Deco style can be found: the soaring vertical profile and stepped silhouette of its facade. The zigzag pattern of the white facade was inspired by Egyptian pyramids. The white limestone and black granite created a strong contrast. This building also looks like a giant arm chair, doesn't it?

Chicago Board of Trade
Built in 1930. Located on Lasalle St, it creates a dramatic termination of Lasalle Street, also a fine example of Art Deco skyscraper.

One North LaSalle Building
Once upon a time, this 49 story building built in 1928 was the
ZigZag ZigZag ZigZag

Influenced by ancient Egyptian art Strong color contrast
tallest structure in Chicago. It has a lavishly detailed entrance way and lobby as well as intricate bronze work.

Carbide and Carbon Building
It is said that the architects of this building chose its dark green and gold colors based on a gold-foiled champagne bottle. The building does look like a champagne bottle from distance away. Now, this building is the home of Hard Rock Hotel.

Spending a Saturday morning with a CAF (Chicago Architecture Foundation) docent was very educational. For someone with very little architecture background like me, this was definitely an eye opening experience. Sometimes, you don't need to travel far, you can find something new in your own backyard.


Additional photos below
Photos: 17, Displayed: 17


Advertisement

One North LasalleOne North Lasalle
One North Lasalle

Grand entrance
One North LaSalleOne North LaSalle
One North LaSalle

Elevator doors
Carbide & Carbon BuildingCarbide & Carbon Building
Carbide & Carbon Building

View form North Michigan Ave
Chicago Motor ClubChicago Motor Club
Chicago Motor Club

This building is facing the fate of demolishment in the near future.
BuildingBuilding
Building

Not sure the name of this building. But, this is a creative way to preserve historical structures, which is the bottom part of this building.
YY
Y

Represents Chicago River and it's North and South branches


Tot: 0.367s; Tpl: 0.012s; cc: 13; qc: 62; dbt: 0.1094s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1; ; mem: 1.1mb