Chicago is one of the true Meccas for fans of modern urban architecture. Frank LLoyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe are only two of many who have left their marks, not only in one, but several buildings across town. One week is enough to get an idea of the many facets of Chicago, but by far not enough to plunge into individual projects.

That´s why I snapped photos of everything I passed on the move. Walking in a criss-cross pattern all over downtown leaves you bombarded with too many impressions as is already, but to try to see things with a contemplative view is almost out of the question. But moving around without a big plan is also a lot of fun, the Chicago trip was a family trip, a fun trip. The photos I took were side products.

There is hardly a place in downtown Chicago from where you can not see one of the famous buildings, they are ever present. But the pictures below also show some of the not so famous shadowy corners. On a Chicago hike there is always another surprise around the corner, a little bit like New York. And indeed I think there are some similarities between the two cities, both have a striking skyline and both are open to many new ideas what urban planning could become.

Daniel Burnhams classic modern Marriott Hotel is dwarfed by the cubic Willis (ex Sears) Tower.

             New beauty seems to sprout out of old beauty.

   Aon Building with Pritzker Pavilion in foreground.

                The iconic Wrigley Building in front of Trump Tower.

  A typical setting in highrise towns: old and

  new can coexist.

                Sometimes the bold and new takes the sun from

                the small and old.

                Wrigley Building, Trump Tower and IBM Building

                by Mies van der Rohe.

The parking decks of Marina City, both for cars and boats. IBM Building behind that.

More pics of Chicago.