Auditorium Building

Chicago, USA, 1886-1889


Interior of the great hall

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Louis Sullivan , United States

In the 19th century Chicago developed into a flourishing industrial town, without however much in the way of cultural life. This is why some of its wealthy citizens seized the initiative to build their own auditorium. Apart from a grand concert hall, the "Auditorium Building" also houses offices and a hotel.

The design of the building marks Sullivan’s break with Neo-styles. The external facade is simple and clear, the interior however reveals a new, elegant design, which reaches its climax in the great hall: apart from its impressive spaciousness it also features many technical and, in its time innovative solutions, such as electric lighting and mechanical ventilation. These were not hidden away but masterfully integrated within the gold coloured ornamentation.

Louis Sullivan
UNITED STATES
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