Urban Center Books

Architecture and related design fields give shape to the places where we live, play, and travel. Material selection, lighting, the form and function of buildings and exterior spaces, and building height and density are some of the aspects of design that contribute to and ultimately shape our experience of the built environment.

Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture and Engineering are a collection of design fields that make beautiful places. Unlike other creative fields, the master works created by architects are artistic inventions that can last Read more…

There are lots of things to love about the Windy City, but the most obvious perk is the architecture. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the country with quite the assortment of architectural marvels that Chicago presents.

From the Willis Tower to Marina City, the architecture is both bold and ambitious and you really ought to see it for yourself. However, if that’s just not an option, you can do the next best thing and check out one of the many books devoted to both the city and its architecture.

Chicago Architecture and Design – Jay Pridmore, George A. Larson, Hedrich Blessing
This book celebrates both the city and its architecture. Elements of design and style are explored giving more perspective on the buildings we love and why we love them.

Chicago Architecture: 1885 to Today – The Chicago Architecture Foundation, Edward Keegan, Lynn J. Osmond
This book gives readers a detailed timeline of the architecture and development of the Chicago landscape from the late 19th century to today.

And if books aren’t really your thing, some of these might come in electronic format, as well, with more of an emphasis on the visual aspect, which is really what you came for. All you need is a compatible mobile device and a good wireless service which, if you can get CLEAR Internet in Chicago, you can likely find in your area.

A beautiful marvel of architectural design, the new skyscraper that is rising at the former World Trade Center site will be the tallest ever in New York. One World Trade Center is now 100 stories high, and will surpass the famous Empire State Building.

Expected to open next year with 104 stories, One World Trade Center has a mirror-like glass exterior. Some space in the new building has already been leased. The spire of this new building has a close resemblance to both the Empire State Building and Read more…

If you ready to build a new building you will want to be sure that you consult an architect. An architect will be able to show you the latest and greatest styles in buildings so that you get the building that you know you need. It’s important in planning for your new building that you are able to have exactly what you need. Whether your building is for commercial use or residential use.

Building architecture has changed Read more…

Architecture has been with us since we lived in caves and wooden huts. Architecture is the process of planning, designing and constructing a physical structure. Finding your way through the world of architecture is not always a simple task, but it is a rewarding one. The structural form of buildings are not only places to live, work and gather, but are also art forms and symbols of the culture. In fact, many historical civilizations are often defined and identified by the architecture of their buildings.

In essence, architecture is a combination of art and engineering. There is Read more…