Hello arch lovers!
Chicago, again, that great American city that many know but others not so much. It is famous for many things, but after having arrived in this incredible city that I keep in my memory and in my heart and having contemplated the impressive views, about which I tell you more in Chicago: memories, views and skylines (I) I realize that its main feature is architecture.
In all big cities we find towering skyscrapers and innumerable buildings, we look up and around and that's it. Most actually resemble giant constructions of concrete, metal beams and glass, in different shapes.
But those who enjoy architecture and design will see in Chicago that there is something more, the perfect city to study architecture, and enjoy delving not only into the streets but also into its history. Because a recent city (after the great fire of 1871) that draws attention for the history not of the city itself but of each of the buildings that make it up. Later, perhaps in another article, I will develop this more, because a simple walk through Chicago becomes a huge lesson in architecture.
What stands out the most is that the composition of the different elements make up heterogeneous groups, of different height, color, material and shape. Among themselves they compete for the attention of interested pedestrians, and on E. Randolph Street there is a set of clear tones, in which the Aon Center wins (one of the highest in the city, and from which you can see the entire esplanade and beyond, we will also see it), but the others next to him also have their own personality. Which one would you choose?
Because the most avant-garde design, with straight lines, angles and edges, is mixed with the old classic design of the 20th century with more decorations, even with golden tips from the glamorous era of Al Capone, a famous character who surely walked these same avenues. A mix of old and new style, all trends seem to be welcome.
And regarding designs, depending on the perspectives, the Hancock tower, another mythical point to go to, overshadows or perhaps not, other types of buildings that survived that disaster such as the Watertower, in the very center of the city, in the most important avenue the Magnificent Mile. Even the names have their charm. As well as suddenly finding a charming Protestant cute church in the middle of everything.
We sneak through the streets attentive to the play of light and shadow, and the glimmering of facades that shine against a ray of sunlight. The photos, for example, of the Trump Tower (yes it belongs to Donald Trump) are different, the facade changes as the light changes and the reflection is always unique, or dim under a cloudy day.
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Always maintaining the balance between modern glass buildings and stone buildings from many more decades ago that preserved the essence of what the city was once.
Sometimes different towers appear on the skyline that seem to compete for which is the highest, in fact this competition has always existed. In which the clear winning building is the Willis Tower, which can be seen from quite a distance further inland, but is followed by the Hancock Tower with the best views of Lake Michigan due to its proximity, the Trump Tower who with its antenna surpassed the Aon Center which came in fourth position for this reason. Because the set of antennas is also important. A few meters high that take you to the sky and to the podium of the Chicago towers. An honor.
And we do not forget the other buildings because there are more, others always appear, iconic and unique, such as these two complexes that we call "the ears of corn", houses with garages in the lower part, and further down the river docks for their yachts, all in the same place in the open, showing off in front of the river and seeing the tourist boats that look at those original twin towers incessantly.
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But we also find others that are less spectacular but functional characteristic that give the city that urban and industrial air, even green too, or that of the nineties movies that is mixed again among all styles.
Everything is art, architecture, design and style. Any street that we discover and want to discover, even a dark area, an alley, and those typical exterior fire escapes, through which to flee if they persecute you.
In reality it is these large constructions that mark out the river or that appear in front of the lake that follow us with every step we take. Because in America there is a lot to see and enjoy, there is also history and culture, and as I have said, Chicago becomes a paradise for those who want to know the details of each of the buildings in the city, each built for a reason in a moment, with a design that gives each one their own personality, to be admired, to compete with each other and to create this environment that makes us fall in love.
Fall in love with Chicago, you'll see more...
Chicago, Illinois, US - Part II
Thanks for reading! Have a lovely and amazing day.
The text is totally mine, by ©Duvinca
and all the photos are mine too!