It is hard to imagine the city of Chicago without its tall and shining skyscrapers, but who invented the skyscraper? As cities stretched further and further, architects realized they needed to start building up as well. Residents in the West Loop will be proud to know that the first skyscraper was designed by William LeBaron Jenney, a local architect. Skyscrapers are such an integral part of the city’s history, and now earn us the claim to fame of being the eighth tallest city in the world! Learn more about the history of skyscrapers and the history of our own Willis Tower with Skydeck Chicago!
When Were Skyscrapers Invented?
Architects realized bricks weren’t going to cut it when they wanted to start building skywards. Bricks in general could only bear the weight of building up to five or six stories and, although it was possible to construct buildings up to sixteen stories with masonry walls, they had thick, unappealing walls with small windows. Local architect, William LeBaron Jenney, was the first to push the limits by designing the first skyscraper in 1884.
What Was The First Skyscraper?
The Home Life Insurance Building has the distinction of being the first skyscraper. It was completed in 1885, and was the first building built whose entire weight was supported with an iron frame.
Modern Skyscrapers
Chicago’s history is forever intertwined with the invention of skyscrapers. Not only was the first one designed by a local architect, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 further reinforced the need for fireproofing for the city. With the falling price of steel and the construction of the Eiffel Tower, which taught how to brace metal frames against the wind, the idea of skyscrapers became a more popular building option.
We gained our modern image of the skyscraper when the Equitable Life Assurance Building in Manhattan was built containing central heating, elevators, and pressurized plumbing and, since then, skyscrapers and major cities continue to grow. Our own Willis Tower in the Loop remains one of the tallest buildings in the world standing at 1,730 feet tall.
See the City in a New Way With SkyDeck!
When Chicagoans in Bucktown ask “What was the first skyscraper,”– they’ll be happy to know the history of skyscrapers started right here. The city continues to make history with The Ledge by Skydeck. Plan your visit to Skydeck Chicago or check out any events happening in the future.
Absolutely, the history of skyscrapers is a fascinating journey intertwining innovation, architectural prowess, and the evolution of construction materials and techniques. The article you mentioned touches on several key aspects:
1. Skyscraper Invention:
- William LeBaron Jenney: He indeed holds a pivotal role as the pioneer behind the concept of skyscrapers. Jenney’s design of the Home Insurance Building in 1884 marked a turning point in architecture by utilizing an iron frame to support the entire weight of the building.
2. The First Skyscraper:
- Home Insurance Building (1885): This was the first completed skyscraper, showcasing the revolutionary use of an iron frame for structural support, allowing buildings to reach greater heights.
3. Evolution and Modern Skyscrapers:
- Impact of the Great Chicago Fire: The devastating fire of 1871 reinforced the need for fireproofing and safer construction methods, contributing to the rise of iron-framed buildings.
- Technological Advancements: The falling cost of steel, lessons from the construction of the Eiffel Tower (especially in wind bracing), and innovations like central heating, elevators, and plumbing transformed the concept of skyscrapers, shaping their modern form.
4. Willis Tower and Chicago's Skyscraper Legacy:
- Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower): One of Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers, standing tall at 1,730 feet, symbolizes the city’s innovation and architectural prowess.
5. Skydeck Chicago:
- Tourist Attraction: Skydeck Chicago offers visitors a unique experience to view the city from a breathtaking height, further highlighting the significance of skyscrapers in Chicago's history and present.
This article encapsulates how the necessity for upward construction, combined with advancements in engineering and materials, propelled the birth and evolution of skyscrapers. From Jenney’s innovative iron-framed design to the continued growth and technological marvels seen in structures like the Willis Tower, Chicago remains deeply entrenched in the skyscraper legacy.
