An Architectural Voyage - Part 5 - The Hidden Circle Gazette

Chicago

The Ultimate Playground for Architecture Lovers

Chicago’s architecture is like a giant playground for anyone who’s obsessed with cool buildings. This city is packed with tall skyscrapers, bold designs, and some structures that seem to defy gravity altogether. You know those sleek, shiny towers that reach for the clouds? Yeah, Chicago pretty much invented those.

It all started after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. The city needed a fresh start, and the architects were like, “Why not go big?” And so big they went! They built some of the world’s first skyscrapers, including the Home Insurance Building, often hailed as the first-ever tall one of its kind. Since then, it’s been one creative masterpiece after another.

There’s the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), which once held the title of the tallest building in the world. Don’t forget the John Hancock Center, with its X-shaped support beams making it look like it’s flexing its architectural muscles. Then, there’s the beloved Cloud Gate, better known as “The Bean,” a giant, shiny blob that’s become the ultimate selfie magnet for tourists and locals alike.

Even the buildings along the Chicago River join the architectural party. Check out the Marina City towers—yes, those buildings that look like giant corn cobs. And if you’re into some architectural flow, the Aqua Tower will blow your mind with its wavy balconies that make the whole building look like water is rippling down the sides.

The Art Deco VIP

Let’s not forget that Chicago is the VIP section of the Art Deco club! In the 1920s and 30s, when everyone was busy dancing to jazz and driving fancy cars, Chicago was cranking out some of the most glamorous, glitzy buildings around.

Art Deco in Chicago is all about those sleek lines, shiny finishes, and geometric shapes that scream, “Look at me!” One of the best examples? The Carbide and Carbon Building. This dark green skyscraper with its gold top looks like a giant champagne bottle—because why not? It’s ready to pop open and start the party. And then there’s the Chicago Board of Trade Building, which oozes sophistication and power. Oh, and there’s a statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, casually chilling on the roof like, “Yeah, I run this town.”

The insides of these buildings are just as glam as the exteriors. Think elevators, lobbies, and light fixtures that look like they were designed for a futuristic society that never stopped dancing. It’s all about speed, progress, and pure excitement, making these structures the perfect symbol of a fast-growing, energetic city.

Honestly, if Art Deco had a home, Chicago would be it. Walking through these landmarks is like stepping straight into a 1920s movie, where everything feels just a little more fabulous.

Lights, Camera, Chicago!

Chicago’s buildings aren’t just architectural showstoppers—they’re total Hollywood stars! This city’s skyline has played a starring role in some of the biggest movies, providing the perfect backdrop for action, adventure, and even a little romance.

Take The Dark Knight. Gotham City? That’s basically Chicago in a cape! The towering buildings and gritty streets gave Batman the ideal brooding stage to chase down villains. And let’s not forget Transformers. Those epic robot battles crashing through skyscrapers? Yep, Chicago’s skyline made all that destruction look even more intense. Giant robots and iconic buildings—what a combo!

Even rom-coms can’t resist Chicago’s charms. Remember Ferris Bueller’s Day Off? Ferris takes in the city’s stunning skyline from the top of the Willis Tower (back when it was the Sears Tower), turning it into his personal playground. Then there’s Divergent, where Chicago’s futuristic, slightly dystopian vibe fit perfectly with the movie’s edgy, post-apocalyptic world.

And everyone’s holiday classic Home Alone. Yep, that beloved movie was filmed right in the Chicago area! Kevin McCallister’s red-brick house, the one he defends with those wild booby traps? It’s a real home in Winnetka, just outside the city. Even the chaotic airport scenes were shot at O’Hare, giving that frantic holiday travel an authentic Chicago twist.

From Kevin McCallister’s suburban showdown to Batman’s gritty battles, Chicago is always stealing the show. So next time you’re watching your favourite films, keep an eye out—because Chicago’s skyline is always ready for its close-up!

The Ultimate Skyline

Whether you’re into old-school Art Deco glam or futuristic, gravity-defying skyscrapers, Chicago’s got something for everyone. It’s like the coolest LEGO skyline come to life, with buildings that not only push the boundaries of design but also inspire stories on the big screen. So next time you’re wandering through the Windy City, remember: you’re walking through an architectural playground like no other!

The Hidden Circle Art Deco style

When Curt, our supreme leader and News Paper mogul, and I were chatting about designing a room for the new Headquarters of the Circle in 3dx, it was clear we needed something extra for this build. Since it was for a News Paper (and an inside joke between Curt and I), I immediately thought of the iconic Daily Planet building and the glamorous Art Deco style of Chicago.

Honestly, if you’ve ever met Curt, you can totally imagine him strutting through Chicago’s most glamorous, glitzy Art Deco buildings without missing a beat. The man just fits that vibe—classy and stylish, just like the city itself. So, I leaned into that Art Deco elegance, trying to match both the building’s and Curt’s undeniable flair. It wasn’t an easy task, but hey, if you’re designing for Curt, you’ve got to aim high!

I kicked things off with that iconic Daily Planet door—because if you’re going for epic, why not start with a bang, right? From there, the building practically built itself (okay, maybe with a little help from me and some creative swearing). The shapes in 3dx were perfect for bringing my vision to life, and it was so much fun watching this Art Deco masterpiece take form.

Seeing Curt’s smile when it all came together? Totally worth all the frustrating hours and the occasional outburst of swear words that every 3dx builder knows all too well. Trying a new style isn’t easy, but pulling off that classic Art Deco vibe? Incredibly satisfying!