The Evolution of Structural Glass: Chicago’s Skyline Showcase

What is Structural Glass?

Structural glass is strong as well as beautiful. Its use has given architects the ability to create walls that frame fabulous views and admit light into residences and businesses.

Specifically, structural glass is designed to resist stresses and support loads. The term is also used to describe a frameless assembly that takes part of the structural load; the load it will take depends on the location and purpose of the element.

The history of buildings constructed with glass dates to 1851 in the example of the Crystal Palace, built for the Great Exhibition in London. The Lever House in New York is an example of the use structural glass dating to 1952.

Examples of Structural Glass in Chicago

In Chicago, one of the first high-rises to use large panes of glass was the Reliance Building (completed 1895). Now, glass sheathes walls of skyscrapers, examples of which are shown below.

One of the most important examples of structural glass in Chicago is at 333 Wacker Drive.

333 Wacker Drive Building
A striking example of the use of structural glass in downtown Chicago is 333 Wacker Drive, completed in 1983. The curved green glass facade reflects surrounding structures along the main branch and north branch of the Chicago River.
Structural glass buildings in Chicago
Structural glass shimmers on a sunny day in downtown Chicago. From left to right along the main branch and south branch of the Chicago River are 333 Wacker Drive, 191 North Wacker, 110 North Wacker, 150 North Wacker, and 150 North Riverside Plaza at right of center.
Gateway Center IV in Chicago
Gateway Center IV mirrors the turns of the Chicago River’s south branch south of the West Jackson Boulevard bridge. Behind it is BMO Tower (2022). In front of it is 444 W. Jackson Boulevard (1970) and Fifth Third Center (1971), part of the Union Station complex.

Along streets in downtown Chicago lined with financial institutions and corporate headquarters are fine examples of buildings with structural glass walls.

Glass structures in Chicago
Glass-framed structures rise along Wacker Drive. This view includes, from left center to right, 101 North Wacker, 29 North Wacker, and behind it, the AT&T Franklin Switching Center at 311 West Washington Street. South of 29 North Wacker are One North Wacker, One South Wacker, and part of 71 South Wacker Drive. The Sears Tower anchors the right of the photograph, standing as the city’s tallest building. The North Wacker Drive elevation of the Bank of America Tower angles skyward at the right side of the photograph.
The glass walls of One South Wacker reflect the changing skies and nearby structures across from the home of the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Part of the colonnade of the opera house frames the right side of the image. The curving elevation of 71 South Wacker Drive rises in the right center. 303 West Madison Street and the Poetry Garage are left of center, and 181 West Madison’s stepped elevations edge the view at left of center. One North Wacker Drive frames the left side of the photograph.
Sears Tower. Willis Tower. Chicago landmarks.
The 16,100 bronzed panes of glass that are part of the iconic Sears Tower shine even on cloudy days. This is Chicago’s tallest building. It was completed in 1974.

Conclusion

Structural glass is durable and versatile, with a long history of use. From the panes that compose the distinct “Chicago style” windows to the walls of monumental skyscrapers, glass continues to shimmer along the city’s growing skyline.

Resources

  1. “What is Structural Glass 101? Comprehensive Guide of Structural Glazing?”, Glassforum.org, 2024, https://glassforum.org/what-is-structural-glass/.
  2. “What is Structural Glass & Structural Glazing?”, IQ Glass, 2024, https://www.iqglassuk.com/technical-advice/what-is-structural-glass-and-structural-glazing/s88616/.
  3. Wikipedia contributors. “Lever House.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 15 Jul. 2024. Web. 14 Aug. 2024.
  4. Wikipedia contributors. “Reliance Building.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 12 Apr. 2024. Web. 14 Aug. 2024.
  5. Wikipedia contributors. “150 North Riverside.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 8 Aug. 2024. Web. 14 Aug. 2024.
  6. Wikipedia contributors. “110 North Wacker.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 26 Jun. 2023. Web. 14 Aug. 2024.
  7. “150 N Wacker Drive. Chicago, IL 60606”, 2024,https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/150-N-Wacker-Dr-Chicago-IL/3966669/ .
  8. Wikipedia contributors. “Boeing Building.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 31 May. 2024. Web. 14 Aug. 2024.
  9. “The Making of an American Icon,” EQ Office, 2024, https://www.willistower.com/about.
  10. “444 W Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60606.” https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/444-W-Jackson-Blvd-Chicago-IL/29069176/. Accessed 16 August 2024.
  11. “300 S Riverside Plaza. Chicago, IL 60606.”https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/300-S-Riverside-Plz-Chicago-IL/22853186/. Accessed 16 August 2024.

Discover more from Frame the Works

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Unknown's avatar

Published by Divi Logan

Leave a comment