AIA Guide to Chicago

by American Institute of Architects (Editor)

Completely revised and updated, AIA Guide to Chicago, Second Edition is the liveliest and most wide-ranging guide ever written about Chicago's architecture. More than a thousand individual buildings are featured, along with more than four hundred photos-many taken expressly for this volume-and thirty-five specially commissioned maps. The book is arranged geographically so that the user, whether Chicago citizen or visitor, can tour each area of the city as conveniently as possible. Building descriptions focus on the illuminating-but easily overlooked-details that give the behind-the-scenes, often unexpected story of why a building took the shape it did. And in the best Chicago tradition, this guide does not shy away from opinions where opinions are called for.

Comprehensively researched, meticulously written, and more than thorough.

Genres: Architecture, Nonfiction, Travel, Reference, Guidebook

560 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1993

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

My obsession with architecture started young.

[Joan]

If you are a Chicagoan and/or an architecture buff (professional or amateur), or are visiting our city, you absolutely have to have this book. Divided by area, further subdivided by neighborhood, each section lists by address, with good maps, important architectural sites, and provides information on each. However, it is not limited to famous buildings, but includes many residences, cool buildings you didn't know about, and typical Chicago architecture. With this book in hand, you can pick a neighborhood, go for a walk, and discover treasures.

If you prefer a guide, try The Chicago Architecture Foundation

One oddity is that this book chooses to include listings for Oak Park, a suburb immediately west of Chicago, because of its many Frank Lloyd Wright homes, though many other buildings are also included. Yet it does not include River Forest, an adjacent suburb that is also home to FLW buildings. Other suburbs, such as Evanston and Riverside, also have architecturally significant and interesting buildings. I suppose they had to stop somewhere!

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1993 edition, which I own. There's a newer one listed here also. It's a beautifully executed guide to Chicago buildings, including countless mansions and homes, of architectural significance. Logically laid out and crammed with information, packaged in an attractive carry size dimension.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best reference for Chicago arcitecture out there.