“Employ an Architect” and other Advice from 1920’s Era Architects’ Small House Service Bureau
Today, a nod to the Architects’ Small House Service Bureau, a design booster group from 100 years ago offering a lot of advice we can all still use today!
The Alley behind your building might just be Chicago’s best feature
One of Chicago’s most under-appreciated features may be our defining characteristic. Today: what we owe the alley.
Chicago’s Odd obsession with Ground Level Parking
It’s hard to see Chicago developers’ obsession with ground level parking when stacking buildings on top of parking only hurts neighborhoods.
The Sears (ahem, Willis) Tower and Chicago’s Skyline
Today we celebrate the Sears (or Willis, if you like) Tower – an anchor and symbol of Chicago since it was completed more than 40 years ago.
Setbacks, Sideyards and the reason we can’t put a window there
In construction terms, a setback means more than discovering an unexpected concrete beam where you wanted to cut a doorway. Today we discuss how they vary and what that means for design and construction projects.
Coming Soon: Wild Blossom Meadery
When artisans create mead, they do it in a meadery. We’re so excited to be done with permitting on the new Wild Blossom Meadery building.
Design Diversity; many different types of space
Thumbing the office copy of Christopher Alexander’s Pattern Language recently, I was struck by how many of his ideas center on the idea of diversity in design. Alexander argues against homogeneity at every scale, from that of room furnishings to the design of cities. He’s so right. Our homes, offices, public places and urban landscapes all…
Pioneering Modernist: Luis Barragan
This post salutes Luis Barragan, an influential Mexican Modernist who dared to create an emotional architecture.
Your Name in Lights: Great Signage For Business
The signage for your business is like its face – the first thing someone sees about you. It is very important to make a good impression. But there are many elements to consider before you “hang out your sign.” Good signage is integrated into the design of the whole business. It should coordinate with your logo and general…
What is Googie Architecture?
This style is neither well known, nor wide spread, but you’ll know it when you see it! Today: Googie architecture.