"Chicago (architecture)"

Whenever I'm in Chicago, I start thinking about architecture.  I'm not quite sure why, but I think it is partly due to the fact that various architects I've known over the years always rave about the commercial architecture in Chicago.  I think it is also partly due to Chicago seeming to have a large collection of well-maintained buildings built in the early to mid 20th century -- seemingly more so than most other US cities. 

I was in Chicago for the American Sociological Association meetings in August of this year (2002), and took some time for "architectural" photography.  These photos don't represent any particular selection criteria other than what I found interesting, so this isn't necessarily a tour of THE prominent Chicago architecture (e.g., University of Chicago is missing). More than in my other websites, this is mainly about the social impressions that architecture leave -- not about the city itself.  American architecture from the 20th century is, to me, one of the best illustrations of the American 'dream'.  In it you can see the heights of aspiration, the efforts to connect "American" with some 'manifest destiny', pride in our (supposed) wealth, the spirit of innovation.  And, in other more subtle ways, 20th century architecture also seems to show the extent to which "American" was built on hard labor, and frequently on the backs of immigrants and the poor.

A caveat -- all of what I present here is simply my impressions and thoughts.  Clearly these reflections are influenced by my sociological training, but I am not trained as an architectural critic or in social geography.  Hopefully, however, you'll find this interesting and maybe even thought-provoking.

On to Chicago ->