Richard J. Daley Center, Chicago

The Richard J. Daley Center, completed in 1965, stands as a striking example of Mid-Century Modern architecture and the International Style’s “skin and bones” aesthetic. One of the building’s most notable features is its distinctive exterior, clad in Cor-Ten steel. This unpainted steel develops a natural rust over time, creating a unique, permanent protective coating that requires minimal maintenance. Complementing the rust-colored steel panels are bronze-tinted glass windows, which together create a harmonious and eye-catching facade.

The true marvel of the Daley Center, however, lies in its structural innovation. The building is supported by just 16 steel columns—12 on the perimeter and four surrounding the central elevator core. This minimalist column arrangement allows for expansive, column-free interior spaces. Each floor is supported by Warren trusses, which are notably thick to span the considerable distances between the columns. The façade of the building visually emphasizes its structural components, making the engineering prowess an integral part of its design.

Despite its relatively modest 31 floors, the Daley Center reaches an impressive height of 648 feet, comparable to that of many 50- to 60-story skyscrapers. This vertical impact is achieved through high ceilings on each floor, with some courtrooms extending to 26 feet in height. Architect Jacques Brownson of C.F. Murphy Associates meticulously designed the columns to taper as they ascend, reflecting the decreasing loads as the building rises. This thoughtful design detail not only enhances the building’s aesthetics but also underscores the engineering sophistication behind its construction.