A landmark example of Deconstructivism in Chicago.
“Faceted glass surfaces channel views and maximize natural light in a dense urban setting. Major horizontal and vertical planes are tapered to diminish their visual weight and create elements that slice through the space.” — Krueck+Sexton
“One of the few examples of Deconstructivism in Chicago, this addition is a wild paroxysm of clashing angles, planes, colours and forms. Starting with hints of fragmentation in the interior, the house explodes into the alleyway in a flash of blue, gold, and pink glass, battered/warped aluminum and mirrored curling stairways. A spectacular, dizzying sight!” — Chicago, A Guide to Recent Architecture
A Piece of modern art
This drawing of 1522 Dearborn by architect Ronald Adrian Krueck is in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
THE FRONT
The front of the house features a dramatic double staircase, sweeping up to the twin victorian homes.
Photo by Jon Miller, Hedrick Blessing.
THE REAR
While the front of 1522 Dearborn has historical significance for Chicago architecture¹, the rear addition has its place in the city’s canon of modern architecture.
DECONSTRUCTIVIST ARCHITECTURE
The home is an early example of Deconstructivist Architecture, a style that emerged in the early 80’s and includes some of the most celebrated buildings in the world.