Lake Shore Drive Apartments

Most buildings were built during this time taking up the entire city block, but Mies was one of the first to take a step back and leave a space between the sidewalk and the actually building, making the city a more friendly and spacious environment.

 

For their time, these apartments were (and still are) high class. Today however they miss necessities that didn't exist when they were built, such as water outlets for washing machines in every apartments and individual air conditioning control (it is controlled for the whole building). 

Located right downtown but on the shore line, a couple blocks back stands the John Hancock Center. 

These particular sides of the buildings overlook to the lake. 

Attention to details. The buildings are undergoing renovations this year, updating its systems and outdated materials.

This vertical pattern of Mies is because of the structure that he used, new in its time of steel frame and glass. 

Between the Lake Shore Drive Apartments with Chicago peeking through. 

Robie House

The Robie house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1910. Even though the Robie house is a three story building, it feels low to the ground with its unique roofs. 

The entrance to the Robie House is just high enough for a person to pass under it, making it a place of only passing. 

Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago cultural center is where meetings and cultural events are held. Its known for its victorian style tile ceiling. 

Historical main stairwell.

John Hancock Center

At one time the John Hancock building was the tallest in Chicago, therefore was designed with a public observation deck for the viewing of Chicago.

With the structure towards the exterior of the building, it has an open floor plan, making it easy to convert the different levels into different uses. 

At the base of the tower is a plaza that includes shopping, dinning and access to the Observatory. 

Inside the building, the structure is left to the visitors eye. 

The base of the tower is bigger and slims at the top, like a pyramid. That along with its criss-crossing structure, it stands out amoung the rest of the Chicago's skyline. 

Auditorium Theater

Built in 1887, the building was almost torn down various time because it didn't make enough money to be maintained. Today it is a historical landmark and hosts important concerts and shows.  

Sullivan was known for his attention to detail. 

Main lobby of the theater.

Original stencil design by Frank Lloyd Wright. 

Only in the highest balcony do the original seats still exist. All other have been refurnished close to the original design.

Detailing on wood panels located in a sitting area with fireplace for upper class. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright while a student of Louis Sullivan.

Upper balcony, the highest being 7 stories up from the stage. It is one of the best theaters in terms of sound engineering still today. 

Italian tile hand laid to make the intricate designs that cover most of the buildings lobbies. 

Because of "sinking" of the foundation, parts of the floors became sloped which caused some doorways and walls to crack.

During WW II the theater was converted into a bowling alley for the American soldiers, causing extensive damage to the original seats, floors, and windows. 

Chicago City Life

Chicago skyline. 

Layers and layers of history.

Merchandise Mart. Many old buildings are bought and reused for other purposes instead of being demolished, which saves money, energy and helps maintain culture.

The seven floor Merchandise Mart, now a Macy's department store taking up what feels like an entire square block. 

Deserving Chicago culture. 

Frozen river that cuts downtown Chicago. Moveable bridges were build over this river so that boats could enter but had permanent connections for cars and pedestrians. 

The bottom half of Marine City is parking (since there isn't possiblity of underground parking along the river) for the apartments in the top half of the building, making it sustainable in itself in terms of space. 

Multi purpose constructions. 

Marine City borders right along the river that passes through downtown Chicago.

Because of marshy land and costs, the subway was build above ground, running along the main streets of downtown Chicago. 

Church. 

Louis Sullivan made his mark with his distinctive style during his time which is seen everywhere in downtown Chicago. 

Architecturally mixed styles, view from the John Hancock Center Observatory.  

Stair case inside the Chicago History Museum.