By D. B. Lake, Chicago Times Magazine – 

The architectural landscape of Chicago in the late 19th century pulsated with an undeniable energy. It was a period of immense growth, a crucible of innovation where the seeds of a distinctly American architectural movement were sown – the Chicago School.

The architects who spearheaded the Chicago School – Jenny, Sullivan, Root – were pioneers in their field. They recognized the limitations of traditional masonry construction in a city yearning for the heavens. Their embrace of novel materials – the resolute strength of steel, the ethereal translucency of glass – ushered in the new era of skyscraper design.

William Le Baron Jenney’s impact on the Chicago School stands as its foundational figure. Arriving in Chicago after the devastating fire of 1871, Jenney, with his background in engineering, encountered a city yearning for rapid reconstruction. Traditional load-bearing masonry construction, as mentioned, was limited in height and highly susceptible to fire, was no longer a viable option.

Jenney’s pivotal contribution lay in his groundbreaking utilization of the steel frame. For example, the Home Insurance Building, completed in 1885 and credited by many as the first skyscraper, stood as a testament to his innovative spirit. The Home Insurance Building wasn’t merely a structure of increased height; it represented a paradigm shift in skyscraper construction. By transferring the building’s weight to the internal steel skeleton, Jenney facilitated the use of thinner, non-structural walls. This ingenious approach not only enabled the construction of taller buildings but also opened the door for a new era of verticality in urban landscapes. Sadly, we lost this architectural treasure, along with five other buildings, after its demolition in 1931 and is now the site of the Field Building, aka LaSalle National Bank Building.

However, Jenney’s vision extended beyond the realm of pure engineering. He recognized the inherent aesthetic potential within his designs. While maintaining a traditional facade on the Home Insurance Building, his subsequent works, like the Leiter Building, completed in 1879, hinted at the expressive possibilities of the steel frame. Larger windows became feasible, flooding the interiors with natural light and fostering a nascent connection between the building and its surroundings.

While later architects like Sullivan, as discussed below, would refine the Chicago School’s aesthetic philosophy, Jenney’s contribution remains the cornerstone. He provided the essential technological foundation – the steel frame – that allowed Chicago to rise as a city of iconic skyscrapers. Jenney’s boldness to push boundaries not only reshaped the American cityscape but also paved the way for a new epoch in architectural expression, forever etching his name in the annals of architectural history.

Louis Sullivan’s role in the Chicago School transcended mere leadership; he was its philosophical architect. Sullivan, as a young architect in Chicago, was influenced by Jenney’s innovative steel frame construction, but Sullivan yearned for a deeper architectural expression. Sullivan championed the philosophy of “form follows function,” rejecting the historical pastiche prevalent in American architecture, such as seen in Neoclassical designs. He argued for a new architectural language that reflected the dynamism and ingenuity of the American spirit. This philosophy became the cornerstone of his partnership with Dankmar Adler.

Adler and Sullivan produced some of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks. One of these landmarks is the Auditorium Building, built in 1889, and is considered a masterpiece of functional beauty, showcasing Sullivan’s influential tripartite division: a base, shaft, and ornamental crown. This concept would become a defining characteristic of the Chicago School. However, Sullivan’s focus extended beyond aesthetics; he emphasized the dignity of labor, fostering collaboration with skilled craftsmen to bring his visions to life.

Sullivan’s influence transcended his practice. He mentored a young Frank Lloyd Wright, who would later revolutionize American domestic architecture with the Prairie Style. Sullivan’s seminal 1901 essay, “Kindergarten Chats,” challenged the architectural establishment and laid the groundwork for the modernist movement. He was the architect who dared to be different, recognizing the inherent beauty in the new urban materials – steel, glass, and terra cotta. Sullivan imbued the utilitarian skyscraper with a sense of purpose and elegance, forever altering the architectural skylines of American cities.

John Wellborn Root, the design force behind the renowned Burnham and Root architectural firm, stands as a pivotal figure in shaping the aesthetic identity of the Chicago School. While his partnership with Daniel Burnham provided a strong business foundation, it was Root’s artistic vision that imbued the movement with a distinct and enduring design language.

Root, a proponent of marrying beauty with functionality, embraced the transformative capabilities of the steel-framed structures pioneered by Jenney. However, his vision extended far beyond mere practicality. He recognized the potential for a new architectural language – one that celebrated the verticality enabled by steel while maintaining a commitment to artistic expression.

Root’s architectural genius pioneered the integration of aesthetics with the burgeoning skyscraper form. The Rookery Building, built in 1888, exemplifies this approach. While incorporating the essential elements of the Chicago School – a steel frame and expansive windows – Root also infused the design with a subtle Romanesque Revival influence. The Rookery Building’s light court, a soaring atrium flooded with natural light, showcased not only Root’s innovative spirit but also his commitment to creating visually stunning and functional spaces that transcended the utilitarian nature of the traditional office building.

The Chicago School’s legacy is multifaceted and enduring. It revolutionized urban landscapes, fostered a new way of understanding cities, and continues to shape architectural discourse and practice on a global scale. The movement stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision to build a better future, one thoughtfully designed urban space at a time. It also stands out in its audacity to challenge the status quo. The Chicago School demonstrated that beauty could be found in functionality, that form could follow function and create something truly awe-inspiring. It is this spirit of innovation that should continue to guide American architecture.