The Chicago Architecture Foundation (using the term foundation vs. organization makes sense for an architecture group) offered the public an open house last weekend. Most of the sites open to visitors were clustered in the downtown loop area.
We started our self guided tour at the House of Blues since we found a reasonable priced parking garage near there. We were given a guided tour of the backstage “green” rooms and the exclusive club area of the venue. We have seen an act or two there over the years.
Our next stop nearby was the architecture firm, Thornton Tomasetti. It wasn’t a stop that we had really planned but it was on our walk over to the other sites so we went in. It turned out to one of the better stops of our day. We were guided around the firm’s offices. As you might imagine there are many many drawings, pictures and models of projects. I tried to get a picture of the models but was told that because of trade secrets that would not allowed. The Australian designer/engineer who volunteered to guide over the weekend was a great host and answered many questions. Also the view out their office windows were great.
Another worthwhile stop was the Sky-Line Club. It’s one of the oldest private clubs in Chicago. I asked about the number of members - around 300! I didn't ask about their rates. A Sussex old ale house was carefully dismantled and reconstructed to create the club atop one of Chicago's early office high-rises almost 100 years ago.
My favorite shot of the day was taken from the Sky-Line Club rooftop terrace:
You have heard the expression, "a picture is worth a thousand words". I think that is an exaggeration. Maybe 200 - 300 words for great pictures. Just a handful of words for this whole set of pictures in my comment section would be great. If you like going the picture route browse over to Unknown Mami's blog for picture collections.
We started our self guided tour at the House of Blues since we found a reasonable priced parking garage near there. We were given a guided tour of the backstage “green” rooms and the exclusive club area of the venue. We have seen an act or two there over the years.
 |
| good ceiling panel |
 |
| artists are asked to sign-in on the walls |
Our next stop nearby was the architecture firm, Thornton Tomasetti. It wasn’t a stop that we had really planned but it was on our walk over to the other sites so we went in. It turned out to one of the better stops of our day. We were guided around the firm’s offices. As you might imagine there are many many drawings, pictures and models of projects. I tried to get a picture of the models but was told that because of trade secrets that would not allowed. The Australian designer/engineer who volunteered to guide over the weekend was a great host and answered many questions. Also the view out their office windows were great.
 |
| looking down |
 |
| looking up |
Another worthwhile stop was the Sky-Line Club. It’s one of the oldest private clubs in Chicago. I asked about the number of members - around 300! I didn't ask about their rates. A Sussex old ale house was carefully dismantled and reconstructed to create the club atop one of Chicago's early office high-rises almost 100 years ago.
 |
| I'll have my tea in that leather chair. |
My favorite shot of the day was taken from the Sky-Line Club rooftop terrace:
You have heard the expression, "a picture is worth a thousand words". I think that is an exaggeration. Maybe 200 - 300 words for great pictures. Just a handful of words for this whole set of pictures in my comment section would be great. If you like going the picture route browse over to Unknown Mami's blog for picture collections.
No comments:
Post a Comment