1. ArchDaily
  2. Chicago

Chicago: The Latest Architecture and News

Subscriber Access

The Repositioning of Office Buildings: Creating Amenity-Rich Experiences in the Post-Pandemic U.S.

The office building typology emerged from the need to unite thousands of people within a relatively strict working environment. In major cities, these structures clustered into Central Business Districts (CBDs), which became dedicated neighborhoods accommodating commerce and businesses. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this model, leading to the rise of remote and hybrid work. Now, nearly four years later, occupancy rates in these urban centers remain lower than pre-pandemic levels, signaling a long-term shift in the work environment. To address this challenge, developers have been increasingly looking into “repositioning” their projects, seeking to redefine their image by adapting them to contemporary demands. This typology considers the surrounding urban fabric, aiming to expand the building’s use beyond its original purpose and attract people back to the CBDs.

The Repositioning of Office Buildings: Creating Amenity-Rich Experiences in the Post-Pandemic U.S. - Image 1 of 4The Repositioning of Office Buildings: Creating Amenity-Rich Experiences in the Post-Pandemic U.S. - Image 2 of 4The Repositioning of Office Buildings: Creating Amenity-Rich Experiences in the Post-Pandemic U.S. - Image 3 of 4The Repositioning of Office Buildings: Creating Amenity-Rich Experiences in the Post-Pandemic U.S. - Image 4 of 4The Repositioning of Office Buildings: Creating Amenity-Rich Experiences in the Post-Pandemic U.S. - More Images+ 2

Subscriber Access

The Windy City: Chicago as a Model of Modern Urbanism

Chicago's urban history is a dynamic saga of innovation, resilience, and architectural prowess. From its early days as a bustling trade hub on Lake Michigan's shores to its transformation into a global metropolis, the Windy City has continually reinvented itself. Iconic events like the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 catalyzed a wave of architectural ingenuity and today, contemporary architects like the city’s own Jeanne Gang and SOM continue to shape its skyline with groundbreaking designs, while sustainable projects and adaptive reuse of historic buildings showcase the city's commitment to blending heritage with forward-thinking urban development. Whether it's the sleek Aqua Tower or the vibrant Riverwalk, Chicago continues to stand as a testament to the endless possibilities of urban innovation and design.

One of the city's most notable achievements is its role as the birthplace of the skyscraper. In the late 19th century, architects like Louis Sullivan and Daniel Burnham pioneered the use of steel-frame construction, allowing buildings to reach unprecedented heights. This innovation not only transformed Chicago's skyline, but also set a precedent for urban centers worldwide, positioning the city as a global leader in architectural design.

Blair Kamin on Reframing the Crucial Issue of Design Equity

This article was originally published on Common Edge.

The format for Blair Kamin’ latest book, Who Is the City For? is slightly different from typical compilations. Kamin groups his columns thematically (all 55 appeared in the Chicago Tribune, when he served as architecture critic), and then, more often than not, adds a postscript updating or reframing the story for our fraught new normal. One of the recurring themes, both in the stories and in the postscripts, is the issue of design equity. As income inequality, systemic racism, and climate change became central to the cultural and political debates, equity became the critical lens for much design criticism. In our recent conversation, Kamin advocated for a broader definition of the term.

SOM's Residential Chicago Towers Break Ground in the United States

The Skidmore Owings & Merril (SOM) two-tower development in Downtown Chicago has just started construction. Situated at the intersection of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, the new residential development seeks to redefine Chicago’s skyline. Composed of 635 residential units in its first phase, 20% of which are designated as affordable housing, the scheme also outlines the design of DuSable Park. Phase one of the project has officially commenced, occupying the last undeveloped waterfront parcel in the Streeterville neighborhood.

SOM Unveils New Satellite Concourse at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in United States

The City of Chicago has just unveiled the design for the first phase of the transformation of O’Hare International Airport. Designed by Skidmore, Ownings & Merrill (SOM), the terminal represents the largest concourse area expansion and revitalization in the airport’s 68-year history. Designed in collaboration with Ross Barney Architects, Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects, and Arup, “Satellite One” seeks to become a landmark in the state.

SOM Unveils New Satellite Concourse at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in United States - 1 的图像 4SOM Unveils New Satellite Concourse at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in United States - 2 的图像 4SOM Unveils New Satellite Concourse at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in United States - 3 的图像 4SOM Unveils New Satellite Concourse at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in United States - 4 的图像 4SOM Unveils New Satellite Concourse at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in United States - More Images

Watch Riken Yamamoto, David Chipperfield, Francis Kéré, and Anne Lacaton Live at the 2024 Pritzker Prize Laureate Lecture & Panel Discussion

The Pritzker Architecture Prize and the Illinois Institute of Technology’s College of Architecture present "Community: The Architect as Catalyst for Change", the 2024 Laureate Lecture and Panel Discussion, on Thursday, May 16th at 6:00 pm CDT, in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Center.

The Pritzker Architecture Prize 2024 Laureate Riken Yamamoto will deliver the lecture, "uncovering his journey in the discovery of communities throughout the world, inspiring his socially-driven architecture that blurs the boundaries between public and private dimensions". Following the lecture, Yamamoto will be joined by recent Laureates, Sir David Chipperfield CH (2023), Francis Kéré (2022), and Anne Lacaton (2021), who share a similar commitment to the value of the social system." They will discuss the responsibility of the architect as a catalyst for change and debate respective challenges of creating and bridging communities as they shape new approaches to the design of the built environment."

Moody Nolan Designs Athletic Facility at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago

The Obama Foundation has released details about the design of a new athletic, program and event facility to take shape at the Obama Presidential Center located on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Designed by Moody Nolan, the facility titled Home Court will offer the largest gathering space on the campus, serving as a place for community engagement as well as health and wellness activities. The venue is scheduled to become the first space within the Obama Presidential Center campus to open in late 2025.

Moody Nolan Designs Athletic Facility at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago - Image 1 of 4Moody Nolan Designs Athletic Facility at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago - Image 2 of 4Moody Nolan Designs Athletic Facility at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago - Image 3 of 4Moody Nolan Designs Athletic Facility at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago - Image 4 of 4Moody Nolan Designs Athletic Facility at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago - More Images+ 9

‘Not Having to Worry about Proportion, Harmony, and Beauty Is a Cop-Out’: A Conversation with 2024 Driehaus Prize Winner Peter Pennoyer

This article was originally published on Common Edge.

Even within the world of design media, it was easy to miss the news: In late January, Notre Dame’s School of Architecture announced that Peter Pennoyer, a New York–based architect and author, had won the 2024 Richard H. Driehaus Prize. The Driehaus is architecture’s traditional/classical design version of the Pritzker Prize. Although it comes with a hefty $200,000 check—twice the size of the Pritzker’s honorarium—and previous winners include such luminaries as Robert A.M. Stern, Michael Graves, Leon Kier, and Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, the award still exists in a sort of media vacuum.

‘Not Having to Worry about Proportion, Harmony, and Beauty Is a Cop-Out’: A Conversation with 2024 Driehaus Prize Winner Peter Pennoyer - 1 的图像 4‘Not Having to Worry about Proportion, Harmony, and Beauty Is a Cop-Out’: A Conversation with 2024 Driehaus Prize Winner Peter Pennoyer - 2 的图像 4‘Not Having to Worry about Proportion, Harmony, and Beauty Is a Cop-Out’: A Conversation with 2024 Driehaus Prize Winner Peter Pennoyer - 3 的图像 4‘Not Having to Worry about Proportion, Harmony, and Beauty Is a Cop-Out’: A Conversation with 2024 Driehaus Prize Winner Peter Pennoyer - 4 的图像 4‘Not Having to Worry about Proportion, Harmony, and Beauty Is a Cop-Out’: A Conversation with 2024 Driehaus Prize Winner Peter Pennoyer - More Images+ 2

Discover the Ongoing Exhibitions at the Chicago Architecture Biennial: CAB 5

Inaugurated on September 21st, 2023, The Chicago Architecture Biennial is a city-wide festival that will continue until the end of the year. Titled “This is a Rehearsal,” the event is set up as a love letter to Chicago, activating ongoing dialogue around and in the city. One month after the biennial started, events are still ongoing, with open houses, theater performances, and virtual conferences happening throughout this week.

Discover the Ongoing Exhibitions at the Chicago Architecture Biennial: CAB 5 - Image 1 of 4Discover the Ongoing Exhibitions at the Chicago Architecture Biennial: CAB 5 - Image 2 of 4Discover the Ongoing Exhibitions at the Chicago Architecture Biennial: CAB 5 - Image 3 of 4Discover the Ongoing Exhibitions at the Chicago Architecture Biennial: CAB 5 - Image 4 of 4Discover the Ongoing Exhibitions at the Chicago Architecture Biennial: CAB 5 - More Images

Theaster Gates Receives the 2023 Vincent Scully Prize

The National Building Museum announced that Theaster Gates will be the 25th recipient of the Vincent Scully Prize. Initiated in 1999, the award serves as a recognition of excellence in the fields of design, architecture, historic preservation, urban design, encompassing practice, and criticism. Theaster Gates is an artist internationally renowned for his interdisciplinary blend of social performance, urban regeneration, and cultural activations.

International Architecture Awards 2023 Announces Winners in Chicago, Illinois

For the 18th year, the International Architecture Awards has returned to celebrate outstanding architectural achievements globally. Based in Chicago, these awards feature exceptional new buildings, urban planning projects, and landscape architecture of 2023. Additionally, this month, the Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB 5) is currently taking place in the city. Both the awards and the Biennial attempt to shed light on each country’s architectural, design, cultural, and social trends.

Since the inception of the International Architecture Awards in 2005, this annual program has served as a platform for celebrating contemporary architecture. Moreover, the awards institution believes in architecture’s potential to enhance the quality of life for individuals globally. This year, the selected winners span 48 countries, from Ethiopia to Tokyo and New York to Nova Scotia.

International Architecture Awards 2023 Announces Winners in Chicago, Illinois  - Imagen 1 de 4International Architecture Awards 2023 Announces Winners in Chicago, Illinois  - Imagen 2 de 4International Architecture Awards 2023 Announces Winners in Chicago, Illinois  - Imagen 3 de 4International Architecture Awards 2023 Announces Winners in Chicago, Illinois  - Imagen 4 de 4International Architecture Awards 2023 Announces Winners in Chicago, Illinois  - More Images+ 14

SOM Unveils "Zero-Carbon Bio-Blocks" Installation at the 2023 Chicago Architecture Biennial

For the opening of CAB 5, the 5th edition of the Chicago Architecture Biennial, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) presented an eco-friendly alternative to traditional concrete. Named the “Bio-Block Spiral,” the installation is at The Mews in Fulton Market in Chicago. The creation was developed with Prometheus Material, a materials company that provides sustainable building materials for a carbon-negative future.

Subscriber Access

College Towns in the United States: Revitalization or Gentrification?

The announcement of the establishment of a new university campus is one of celebration, marking economic opportunities and urban growth. The United States is home to over 700 college towns that have witnessed prosperity through the inauguration of educational institutions like the University of Colorado’s Boulder, and Chapel Hill, home to the University of North Carolina. With this development, gentrification has unfortunately become a contentious issue in college towns across the country. While the transformation of these towns brings economic expansion and cultural vibrancy, it often comes at the cost of displacing long-time residents, erasing historic character, and altering the essence of these towns. American college towns offer a unique perspective on how cities can strike a balance between progress and preservation.

College Towns in the United States: Revitalization or Gentrification? - Image 1 of 4College Towns in the United States: Revitalization or Gentrification? - Image 2 of 4College Towns in the United States: Revitalization or Gentrification? - Image 3 of 4College Towns in the United States: Revitalization or Gentrification? - Image 4 of 4College Towns in the United States: Revitalization or Gentrification? - More Images+ 1

James R. Thompson Center Announces Participation at Chicago Architecture Biennial's 5th Edition

The Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB 5) has announced the participation of the James R Thompson Center as both a cultural partner and city site for the 5th edition of the exhibition. CAB 5: This is A Rehearsal is curated by the Chicago-based artist collective Floating Museum. The Thompson Center has long been referred to as one of Chicago’s postmodern architectural marvels, designed by Helmut Jahn. At this year’s biennial, which starts on the 21st of September, 2023, the center will host five exhibitions and site-specific installations.

James R. Thompson Center Announces Participation at Chicago Architecture Biennial's 5th Edition - Imagen 1 de 4James R. Thompson Center Announces Participation at Chicago Architecture Biennial's 5th Edition - Imagen 2 de 4James R. Thompson Center Announces Participation at Chicago Architecture Biennial's 5th Edition - Imagen 3 de 4James R. Thompson Center Announces Participation at Chicago Architecture Biennial's 5th Edition - Imagen 4 de 4James R. Thompson Center Announces Participation at Chicago Architecture Biennial's 5th Edition - More Images+ 3

Cabrini-Green and Vele di Scampia: When Public Housing Projects Don’t Work Out

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen inequalities laid bare, especially when it pertains to the unequal allotment of architectural resources to people. The start of the pandemic saw Europeans who could afford it, for example, leaving the urban metropolises they lived in and going away to their second homes in the countryside. We’ve also seen how poorer people in places like New York, for example, do not have adequate access to green spaces – a critical part of human well-being. Within this conversation is also the issue of social housing - known by multiple names around the world - and how the social housing that gets designed in the present and in the future should respond to ever-changing global needs.

Cabrini-Green and Vele di Scampia: When Public Housing Projects Don’t Work Out - Image 1 of 4Cabrini-Green and Vele di Scampia: When Public Housing Projects Don’t Work Out - Image 2 of 4Cabrini-Green and Vele di Scampia: When Public Housing Projects Don’t Work Out - Image 3 of 4Cabrini-Green and Vele di Scampia: When Public Housing Projects Don’t Work Out - Image 4 of 4Cabrini-Green and Vele di Scampia: When Public Housing Projects Don’t Work Out - More Images+ 5

Chicago Architecture Biennial 2023 Extends Dates and Puts in Place a City Wide Program

The Chicago Architecture Biennial has unveiled a phased opening plan for its fifth edition, CAB 5: This is a Rehearsal. The inauguration of CAB 5 will be on September 21, 2023, with installations and programs held all over city sites. This will build up to a citywide opening celebration on November 1st when all exhibitions will be unveiled at the Chicago Cultural Center and the Graham Foundation. CAB 5 is curated by the collective Floating Museum, a group of artists, designers, poets, and educators focused on building connections between art, community, architecture, infrastructure, and public institutions.

Chicago Architecture Biennial 2023 Extends Dates and Puts in Place a City Wide Program  - Imagen 1 de 4Chicago Architecture Biennial 2023 Extends Dates and Puts in Place a City Wide Program  - Imagen 2 de 4Chicago Architecture Biennial 2023 Extends Dates and Puts in Place a City Wide Program  - Imagen 3 de 4Chicago Architecture Biennial 2023 Extends Dates and Puts in Place a City Wide Program  - Imagen 4 de 4Chicago Architecture Biennial 2023 Extends Dates and Puts in Place a City Wide Program  - More Images+ 4

Theaster Gates’ Rebuild Foundation Transforms St. Laurence Elementary School into a Cultural Hub for Chicago

Rebuild Foundation, run by Artist Theaster Gates, is converting the St. Laurence Elementary School into a new 40,000 sq foot arts hub on Chicago’s South Side. The formerly vacant elementary school in Chicago’s local St. Laurence neighborhood has been reimagined to redeem indoor and outdoor spaces, making it a cultural hub. Set to open in 2024, the building's adaptive reuse expanded the program and the landmark into a place of exploration, entrepreneurship, and creative education.

Theaster Gates’ Rebuild Foundation Transforms St. Laurence Elementary School into a Cultural Hub for Chicago - 1 的图像 4Theaster Gates’ Rebuild Foundation Transforms St. Laurence Elementary School into a Cultural Hub for Chicago - 2 的图像 4Theaster Gates’ Rebuild Foundation Transforms St. Laurence Elementary School into a Cultural Hub for Chicago - 3 的图像 4Theaster Gates’ Rebuild Foundation Transforms St. Laurence Elementary School into a Cultural Hub for Chicago - 4 的图像 4Theaster Gates’ Rebuild Foundation Transforms St. Laurence Elementary School into a Cultural Hub for Chicago - More Images

Chicago Architecture Biennial Announces Participant List for its 5th Edition

The fifth edition of the Chicago Architecture Biennial just announced its list of participants. Under the artistic direction of Floating Museum, a collective of artists, designers, poets, and educators focused on building connections between art, community, architecture, infrastructure, and public institutions, CAB 5 will be presented at multiple sites throughout the city. "This is a Rehearsal" will focus on the community and process-related aspects of architecture, emphasizing how it helps to improve urban life and foster communal responsibility. The participants, chosen by Floating Museum, will look at global environmental, political, and economic challenges while addressing local circumstances. The goal of CAB 5's more than 100 activations, including installations and performances, is to get people to think about how society is impacted by physical infrastructure, societal history, aesthetic, and spatial design.

The Chicago Architecture Biennial is a nonprofit organization that aims to bring together people from around the world to explore innovative ideas and collectively imagine and shape the future of design. The exhibition will open on September 21, 2023, and will be on view until January 2, 2024, spanning various locations across the Chicago metropolitan area. Over 70 creative practitioners, including artists, architects, designers, and performers, will be featured in this citywide exhibition.

Chicago Architecture Biennial Announces Participant List for its 5th Edition - 1 的图像 4Chicago Architecture Biennial Announces Participant List for its 5th Edition - 2 的图像 4Chicago Architecture Biennial Announces Participant List for its 5th Edition - 3 的图像 4Chicago Architecture Biennial Announces Participant List for its 5th Edition - 4 的图像 4Chicago Architecture Biennial Announces Participant List for its 5th Edition - More Images+ 4