Great architecture plays a significant role in how Chicago defines itself as a city. Presented with a commission from the Chicago Architecture Foundation to design what would be a showcase of the city’s design history, SOM created an “architectural chapel” on the ground floor of the Daniel Burnham-designed Santa Fe Building on South Michigan Avenue.

The small museum features a series of displays about Chicago’s architectural heritage. The curved geometry of the floor plan encourages the experience of discovery. Both time-honored and modern materials, from traditional millwork to digital screens, blend seamlessly in the space, evoking familiarity and intrigue. A large wet column that designers had to retain was clad in bright red aluminum, providing a strong focal point in the elegant space.