In the Press

The Best of 2015 Chicago Architecture, Beginning With Biennial

What a year it was for Chicago architecture! The city opened its first architecture biennial and a wave of public spaces. Architects transformed historic buildings into hotels. Marina City took giant steps toward landmark status. And new landmarks arose along the gritty streets outside the glitter of downtown. Herewith, the best of 2015…

Throwing away the cookie-cutter: Chicago broke the mold of lookalike public buildings with the alluring Chinatown branch of the Chicago Public Library. Located at 2100 S. Wentworth Ave. and principally designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the rounded triangle of steel and glass enclosed a light-filled interior that revolves around a dynamic two-story atrium.