Chicago School of Architecture and Louis Sullivan’s influenc…

Read section 32. 4 in Ch. 32 “The Course of Empire: Expansion and Conflict in America” of our textbook. In that section, read the section titled “Louis Sullivan and the Chicago School of Architecture”. This short section will provide you with important historical context as to the reasons this style of architecture was important and popular at the time. Why do I want to include this particular style in my course? Here is a quote from the text that explains its importance: “No architect [Louis Sullivan] would have a greater influence on modern architecture in the twentieth century. He is at once the father of the skyscraper, and, perhaps most important, the teacher of the twentieth century’s most influential architect Frank Lloyd Wright.” We need to understand Sullivan’s importance in order to discuss architecture in the Modernist period. Sullivan’s influence: Many architects, like Frank Lloyd Wright who pioneered the Prairie School of architecture, were influenced by Louis Sullivan before developing their own style. “Of all the architects associated with the Chicago School of Architecture, it was Louis Sullivan who first rose to the challenge of creating a new ‘modern’ aesthetic for high-rise towers. Sullivan’s ‘modern’ structures with their simplified vertical aesthetics paved the way for the next wave of modernist architecture – a late 1920s style heavily influenced by the Bauhaus School in Weimar led by Walter Gropius, which became known as the International Style of modern architecture.” However, some sources say other architects deserve credit: “The development of the Chicago School has long been associated with an inferred master-pupil role of the great triumvirate of American architecture: H. H. Richardson, Louis H. Sullivan, and Frank Lloyd Wright. Although these men had a profound effect on American architecture, they were not individually responsible for the movement called the Chicago School. The impetus of this movement evolves from a variety of sources that were assimilated, reintegrated, and redefined as personal expressions by a great number of individual designers and architectural firms. William Le Baron Jenney comes closest to being the father of the Chicago School. Although he is best known for his technical accomplishments in giving form to the skeleton frame of the skyscraper, he was perhaps most responsible for bringing radical architectural ideas, primarily from France, to Chicago” (Miller). Source: This amazing document from the National Park Service titled “The Chicago School of Architecture” by Hugh C. Miller. Download Miller. Interesting fact: Did you know that Virginia Beach has its very own Frank Lloyd Wright house? It is called the Cooke House, c. 1960, and is located on 51st overlooking Crystal Lake at the North End. It is NOT of the Chicago School but of the Prairie School; however, as you have read, Wright was heavily influenced by Sullivan. Our textbook discusses Wright in depth later on in Ch. 36 and Ch. 38. See the following article: “One of Only Three Frank Lloyd Wright Homes in Virginia…” Links to an external site. Before starting this assignment, read and watch the following items: Read this brief definition: “The Chicago School is also known as the Commercial Style and the American Renaissance Style. In the last quarter of the 19th century, architects and engineers in Chicago developed the steel-frame skyscraper that would become the emblematic building of the 20th century. A commercial Chicago School of Architecture building was taller than its masonry neighbors, usually more than six stories and as tall as twenty stories. Chicago School of Architecture buildings were rectangular with a flat, corniced roof. Because the exterior walls were not load bearing, they had large areas of glass, terra cotta or other ornamental finish. Louis Sullivan was the most influential architect of the Chicago School. His buildings, like a classical column, had a base or several stories, a shaft arranged in vertical bands, and an elaborate cornice of several stories.” Remember, Chicago was not the only city to have buildings in the Chicago School style. You can find them all over the world. Next, view the following YouTube video (Length 1:23): “Understanding the Chicago School of Architecture” Links to an external site. Also watch this video (Length 6:47): “The Amazing History of Chicago School Architecture Links to an external site.” The following link may also be helpful because it discusses more characteristics of the style and provides specific examples: American Architecture Series: Chicago School. Links to an external site. For your task below, note there are specific characteristics that help identify the Chicago School Style of Architecture largely from the late 1800s to early 1900s. They may include: The use of fireproof materials and steel The addition of hydraulic elevators The economic need for a high-rise design The grid design A defined base and structural foundation Repetition of the middle floors A dramatic cornice at the top Wide and horizontal design Windows that do not open in center and/or large arched windows Terra Cotta exterior Designed for maximum light and air flow.