Chicago School

Definition

The Chicago School refers to a group of architects and thinkers in late 19th and early 20th century Chicago who played a pivotal role in the development of modern architecture, particularly through the innovation of skyscrapers. This movement was characterized by its emphasis on functionalism, the use of new materials like steel and reinforced concrete, and an overall rejection of historical architectural styles in favor of new forms that responded to urban needs. This laid the groundwork for the Prairie School and shaped modern architectural principles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Chicago School is credited with popularizing the skyscraper as a new architectural form, utilizing advancements in steel construction and elevators.
2. Architects like Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler were central figures in the Chicago School, advocating for a design philosophy that prioritized utility and innovation over ornamentation.
3. The Home Insurance Building, completed in 1885, is often considered the first modern skyscraper and a significant milestone of the Chicago School's influence.
4. The movement's impact extended beyond Chicago, influencing architectural practices across the United States and around the world during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
5. The principles established by the Chicago School eventually laid the foundation for the Prairie School movement, which sought to create a distinctively American architectural style that harmonized with the natural landscape.

Review Questions

• How did the Chicago School influence the design and construction of skyscrapers in urban environments?
  • The Chicago School was instrumental in revolutionizing skyscraper design by introducing structural innovations such as steel frames and reinforced concrete. These advancements allowed buildings to rise higher than ever before while maintaining stability. The emphasis on functionalism led architects to create designs that prioritized usability over decorative elements, effectively changing how urban spaces were utilized and viewed.
• In what ways did Louis Sullivan's philosophy contribute to the architectural principles of the Chicago School?
  • Louis Sullivan's philosophy, encapsulated in his famous phrase 'form follows function,' emphasized that a building's design should reflect its purpose. His approach greatly influenced the Chicago School's focus on functionality and innovation. By advocating for designs that were practical yet aesthetically pleasing, Sullivan set a precedent that not only shaped skyscraper architecture but also had lasting effects on future architectural movements.
• Evaluate how the innovations of the Chicago School set the stage for subsequent architectural movements such as the Prairie School.
  • The innovations of the Chicago School played a critical role in shaping subsequent architectural movements like the Prairie School by establishing key principles such as functionalism and material honesty. The use of new technologies allowed architects to break away from traditional forms and embrace designs that complemented their environment. This shift paved the way for Prairie architects to further explore these concepts, focusing on organic architecture that harmonized structures with their surroundings while retaining a modern aesthetic.

Related terms

Skyscraper: A tall, continuously habitable building with multiple floors, characterized by a steel frame and often used in urban settings to maximize space.

Louis Sullivan: An influential architect associated with the Chicago School, known for his phrase 'form follows function' and for designing the first skyscrapers that combined aesthetic beauty with practical design.

Prairie School: An architectural style that emerged in the early 20th century, emphasizing horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with broad overhanging eaves, and integration with the landscape.