Study Notes on Skyscraper History and Construction History and Theory


History of the Skyscraper

  • The topic of today's lecture centers around the history of the skyscraper, with a focus on its emergence in Chicago.

  • Home Insurance Building:
      - Recognized as one of the first skyscrapers in history.
      - Designed by William Le Baron Jenney, completed between 1884 and 1885 at the corner of LaSalle and Adams Streets in Chicago.
      - Controversy exists regarding the exact number of stories, with discussions surrounding whether to count the basement level as a floor.
      - Initial height of the building is reported as 138 feet, with later modifications increasing the structure's height.
      - By adding two more stories in 1890, the height purportedly rose to 180 feet, with a total of either 11 or 12 stories based on story-counting methods.

  • Unique Features of the Home Insurance Building:
      - First constructed using skeleton frame construction, marking a departure from traditional load-bearing methods.
      - Emphasis on maximizing rentable space was a primary motivation for building skyscrapers, as investors sought to increase profits by collecting higher rents.
      - The discussion notes that while any purpose can be accommodated in low-rise buildings, skyscrapers allow for more efficient rental opportunities.

  • Counting Stories:
      - The complexity of counting stories in skyscrapers is demonstrated by examples from various cultures, including:
        - The omission of the thirteenth floor due to superstitious beliefs in Western cultures.
        - The practice in China of skipping floors associated with the number four, reflecting cultural beliefs concerning death.

  • Skeletal Frame Construction:
      - Introduced at a large scale by the Home Insurance Building, deviating from purely load-bearing structures like the Pyramids or Gothic Cathedrals.
      - Scientists still debate whether the building entirely qualifies as a true skeleton frame based on their detection of iron columns within its structure.
      - Despite defects, it was a significant advancement paving the way for future skyscraper designs, achieving greater efficacy within five years, demonstrating the rapid evolution of architectural practices.

  • Introduction of Steel:
      - The Home Insurance Building is also significant for marking the first use of steel in building construction in America.
      - Steel became widely available in the early 1850s due to innovations by Henry Bessemer. Initially, it was costly, leading to limited use in buildings.
      - A deal from the Carnegie Steel Company allowed the use of steel beams at no additional cost, making them suddenly popular for construction.

Wainwright Building

  • The Wainwright Building, designed by Adler and Sullivan, is another significant example in skyscraper architecture.
      - Built in downtown St. Louis and notable for its architectural merits, it exemplifies a different aesthetic compared to the Home Insurance Building.

  • Design Features:
      - The Wainwright Building stands at 130 feet and features a unique U-shaped footprint that maximizes natural light coming into the interior spaces.
      - The design contrasts the earlier building by offering a more refined architectural style, featuring a curtain wall made of various materials including granite and terra cotta.

  • Architectural Dynamic Between Adler and Sullivan:
      - Denkmar Adler focused primarily on the structural and client-facing aspects of buildings, while Louis Sullivan concentrated on the aesthetic and inner architecture.

  • Organizational Efficiency of the Building:
      - The building utilized what is known as double loaded corridors, ensuring efficient access to office spaces without excessive hallway space that is not billable.
      - Discussion includes the importance of maximizing rentability through architectural layout, although traditionally a 53% efficiency is noted due to design constraints.

  • Sullivan’s Philosophy:
      - Sullivan argued for the division of his facade into three sections, reflecting the building's functions: commercial, office, and mechanical.
      - His famous phrase "form follows function" encapsulates the guiding principle for architectural design, emphasizing the need for form to relate to purpose.

  • Historical Context:
      - Sullivan criticized architectural styles that relied heavily on historical imitations from Europe. He called for a new American architecture that reflects the nation's spirit, linking it towards American identities, like those associated with Abraham Lincoln.

Conclusion

  • The lecture encapsulated the evolution of skyscrapers, touching on key pioneering buildings and the architects behind them.

  • Emphasis is placed on structural innovations that redefine urban architecture as both a profitable venture and a reflection of modern values.

  • Discussion points include not only the aesthetic evolution but also underlying principles of efficiency and function that continue to impact skyscraper design today.

  • The interweaving of cultural notions and practical architecture illustrated varied perspectives on the construction and significance of buildings over time, setting a foundation for contemporary skyscraper designs.