Wainwright Building

Definition

The Wainwright Building is a pioneering skyscraper designed by Louis Sullivan, completed in 1891 in St. Louis, Missouri. This structure is celebrated for its innovative use of steel frame construction and its embodiment of the principles of the Chicago School, which emphasized verticality and the expression of a building's structure. The Wainwright Building represents a significant moment in architectural history, marking the transition to modern skyscraper design while influencing future generations of architects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Wainwright Building was one of the first high-rise buildings to utilize a steel frame, allowing it to reach a height of 10 stories.
2. Its façade is characterized by intricate terra cotta ornamentation, which reflects Sullivan's belief that form should follow function.
3. The building's design emphasizes verticality, with tall windows and a strong base, middle, and top, creating a visually striking profile against the St. Louis skyline.
4. Sullivan's work on the Wainwright Building established key principles for modern skyscraper design, influencing architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and others in the 20th century.
5. The Wainwright Building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1968 due to its architectural significance and its role in the development of modern urban architecture.

Review Questions

• How did the Wainwright Building reflect the principles of the Chicago School and influence modern skyscraper design?
  • The Wainwright Building exemplifies the principles of the Chicago School through its innovative use of steel frame construction and emphasis on verticality. Its design features large windows that maximize natural light and an ornate terra cotta façade that showcases decorative elements while adhering to functionalist ideals. This blend of aesthetics and structural innovation set a precedent for future skyscraper designs, showcasing how buildings could be both practical and artistically compelling.
• In what ways did Louis Sullivan's philosophy regarding architecture manifest in the design of the Wainwright Building?
  • Louis Sullivan's philosophy that 'form follows function' is vividly illustrated in the Wainwright Building's design. The building’s structure serves as both support and expression; its vertical lines lead the eye upward, enhancing its height and purpose as an office building. Sullivan also employed intricate ornamentation that complements its overall form, demonstrating his belief that decoration should enhance rather than detract from a building’s functionality.
• Evaluate the impact of the Wainwright Building on subsequent architectural developments in skyscraper design and urban planning.
  • The Wainwright Building had a profound impact on architectural developments by establishing foundational concepts for future skyscrapers. Its innovative use of materials and emphasis on verticality inspired architects around the world to explore new heights and forms. Additionally, it influenced urban planning by demonstrating how tall buildings could fit harmoniously within a cityscape while also addressing practical needs such as office space. The building ultimately paved the way for modernist architectural movements that sought to merge aesthetics with functionality in urban environments.

Related terms

Louis Sullivan: An American architect known as the 'father of skyscrapers,' who championed the use of new materials and techniques in architecture, particularly in the design of commercial buildings.

Steel Frame Construction: A method of building construction where steel beams and columns are used to support the structure, allowing for taller buildings with larger open spaces.

Chicago School: A movement in architecture that emerged in the late 19th century, focusing on the development of the skyscraper and incorporating elements like large windows, open floor plans, and decorative facades.