Customer Reviews

AIA Guide to Chicago

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Limited to the Chicago city limits and Oak Park, the selection of buildings is good, but certainly not exhaustive (Evanston would have been a nice addition). Since commercial architecture is so important to Chicago history, there is a palpable emphasis on these structures, particularly Chicago's early modern skyscapers. Readers with an interest in churches, universities, and other grand public buildings may find the coverage spotty, and the author's tone a bit flippant.

The book is in standard AIA format, with short essays for each entry, some including a small photograph. In fact, the major flaw with this book, in my opinion, is the lack of effective photography. There's a photograph for, perhaps, one out of every ten building entries, and the entries that do include photos are often not that interesting. One tries to come away from this book with a mental image of Chicago, derived from the text, but with little assistance from photography. There are also more than a few entries that include no text, simply the building name, address, date and architect. Keep your favorite internet map program handy.

There are so many magnificent things to see in Chicago, it's a shame this guide doesn't much help us to see them. That (critical) matter aside, it's a solid and important addition to the AIA-sponsored series.

It has been long a waited publication and is definitely the best introducing the important Chicago School of Architectures and architectural guide to general public as well.

Exhaustive guide with a lot of information, maybe too much for someone who is going to Chicago for only a couple of days.

Excellent resource for people truly interested in the facts about architecture & design in Chicago. I would not recommend for the average traveler looking to discover more about Chicago architecture.