Chicago School

Definition

The Chicago School refers to a group of architects and designers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who were known for their innovative approach to urban architecture and skyscraper design. This movement emphasized functionality, new construction techniques, and a distinct aesthetic that influenced modern architecture. The Chicago School laid the groundwork for later movements like the Prairie School, blending the ideas of earlier styles such as Richardsonian Romanesque and incorporating the organic architecture that Frank Lloyd Wright would later champion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Chicago School is often credited with developing the modern skyscraper, using steel frames to create taller buildings while maximizing interior space.
2. Architects like Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler were key figures in the Chicago School, known for their collaboration on iconic buildings such as the Auditorium Building.
3. The movement marked a departure from traditional architectural styles, embracing functional designs that prioritized utility over ornamental details.
4. The Chicago School also played a significant role in urban planning, influencing how cities were designed and developed in relation to their architectural landscape.
5. The principles established by the Chicago School laid a foundation for future architectural movements, particularly in shaping the American architectural identity in the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did the architectural innovations of the Chicago School influence the design of skyscrapers?
  • The Chicago School introduced significant innovations in structural engineering and design that allowed for the creation of taller buildings. The use of steel frames not only made skyscrapers possible but also maximized usable interior space. This emphasis on functionality and minimalism set a new standard for urban architecture, shaping how cities adapted to increasing populations and economic growth.
• In what ways did Louis Sullivan embody the principles of the Chicago School in his architectural designs?
  • Louis Sullivan epitomized the Chicago School through his belief that 'form follows function,' which emphasized that a building's design should be driven by its intended purpose. His work showcased this philosophy with functional yet aesthetically pleasing skyscrapers that integrated decorative elements harmoniously into their designs. Sullivan's iconic structures, such as the Wainwright Building, illustrate how he merged innovative construction techniques with an artistic vision rooted in practicality.
• Evaluate the impact of the Chicago School on later architectural movements like the Prairie School and how they differed in their approaches.
  • The Chicago School significantly influenced later movements like the Prairie School by introducing ideas about organic architecture and integration with the environment. While both schools emphasized functionality, the Prairie School further developed these concepts by focusing on horizontal lines and designs that blended seamlessly with their landscapes. Architects like Frank Lloyd Wright took inspiration from Chicago's urban innovations but sought to create a more harmonious relationship between built structures and nature, marking a shift toward a more holistic approach in American architecture.

Related terms

Skyscraper: A tall, continuously habitable building with multiple floors, often made possible by steel frame construction, which was pioneered by architects of the Chicago School.

Louis Sullivan:

An influential architect associated with the Chicago School, known for his motto 'form follows function' and his work on early skyscrapers in Chicago.

Prairie School:

An architectural style that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with broad overhanging eaves, and an emphasis on blending structures with their natural surroundings, which was greatly influenced by the Chicago School.