ÅVONTUURA is excited to announce the launch of its Architecture Guide to Chicago; the 16th city in its ground-breaking Wandering Series.
Featuring a beautiful map and curated list of more than 70 buildings, our Architecture Guide to Chicago is the perfect companion for architecture enthusiasts and travelers alike. It brings new life to the city’s iconic structures and expresses the architectural evolutions that define Chicago’s skyline and its reputation as a global design hub.
The guide features several of Chicago’s early architectural masterpieces including the iconic Carbide & Carbon Building, an Art Deco marvel with its striking green and gold façade, and the historic Wrigley Building, a stunning example of early skyscraper design with its elaborate façade and clad in terracotta. Explore how such traditional buildings helped shape Chicago’s architectural identity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with their intricate design details and innovation that laid the groundwork for the city’s future as a leader in architectural advancement.
Moving into the realm of modern architecture, our guide illuminates Chicago’s transformation throughout the 20th century. Experience Marina City’s iconic twin towers, which redefined urban living, and explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s significant contributions in Oak Park, including his personal home and studio and the renowned Unity Temple. Travelers will also appreciate the Robie House, a pioneering example of Wright’s Prairie School style. Mies van der Rohe’s influential work at the Illinois Institute of Technology and the minimalist beauty of his Farnsworth House in Plano highlight the Modernist movement that transformed Chicago’s architectural landscape, merging functionality with aesthetic simplicity.
The guide also illustrates Chicago’s role in contemporary architecture. Discover Millennium Park, a public space with cutting-edge installations like Frank Gehry’s striking Pritzker Pavilion. Marvel at the achievements of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), including the iconic Willis Tower and John Hancock Center, which set new standards for skyscraper engineering. Studio Gang’s Aqua Tower is also a contemporary standout, its undulating form and innovative design emphasizing Chicago’s commitment to architectural experimentation.
This guide is an essential resource for anyone interested in visiting and the evolution of architecture in Chicago, from historical landmarks to cutting-edge contemporary designs, each adding to the rich legacy of the city’s-built environment.
Guide Features
A Recommended Route on the back identifies our must-see buildings during your visit; helpful if you just want to see the highlights, or are visiting for a short time. A QR code at the bottom also provides you with a link to a digital version of our map with all building locations pinned for directions in Google Maps.
Explore all our architecture city guides on our shop page here.
