word of the week: CURTAIN WALL
2010 May 17
CURTAIN WALL: An exterior wall that offers no structural support and literally hangs off of a building’s skeletal frame like a curtain.
Compare the modern curved and reflective curtain wall on 333 W. Wacker (far left) with the historic curtain wall on the Reliance Building. With 2/3 of its facade comprised of glass, the Reliance Building is arguably the world’s first glass skyscraper.
COMMENTS? Where’s your favorite curtain wall in Chicago?
4 Responses
Trackbacks and Pingbacks
Comments are closed.
Where is the Reliance Building located?
Today it is called the Burnham Hotel and is located at 1 W. Washington Street at the intersection of Washington and State streets.