| Following the Chicago Fire, in the city that invented
the skyscraper, the Chicago School emphasized simplicity of design and became the
forerunner of modernism. Beginning in 1885, it flourished until the First
World War. "Chicago School" can refer to either the architects
who were working in Chicago from about 1875 to 1910, or the buildings
constructed during that time. The "Chicago window" is one
in which a wide fixed central pane has narrower movable sash windows on
either side. David Handlin, in American Architecture,
described the "essence" of Sullivan's philosophy as "the
belief that in order to have an architecture commensurate with the society
h hoped would develop in the United States, it was necessary to supersede
outmoded traditions and rules made for other eras and societies." Of
John Wellborn Root, he wrote that "Root's work can be seen as an
attempt to re-establish for a far more complex society the sense of
coherence and unity that had characterized earlier styles of architecture."
To view other styles, click on the links above.
To view more Chicago School buildings, click on Chicago
School 2. |
| The Reliance
Building in Chicago was built between 1890 and 1895, designed by the
architectural firm of Burnham and Root. It is 14 stories. |
Also in Chicago, the Carson
Pirie Scott Department Store was built in 1904 and designed by Louis
Sullivan. |
All text and images copyright 1999-2006 Steven M. Richman. All rights
reserved.
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