Chicago Architecture

4. Chicago Federal Center

Chicago, IL

Across the street from the Monadnock is the Chicago Federal Center. Designed by Mies van der Rohe, the building follows a minimalistic design. There are two buildings in the Center; both appear to be no more than large, imposing masses of black glass. A series of black i-beams adorn the building's exterior that, though appearing to be part of the crucial infrastructure, are merely decorative. Inside the building, the all glass theme continues. Rohe's attention to detail makes a prominent mark on the interior as well. The glass tiles that rest on the building's floor lay perfectly parallel to the i-beams on the outside of the building, creating one seamless, continuous line from the ground to the top of the building.