HDR’s Move Marks an Important Contribution to the Chicago Design Community
The Chicago architecture studio’s Nov. 23rd move to the historic Inland Steel Building represents much more than a change of address. The Chicago landmark in the heart of the Loop is recognized for its groundbreaking design, representing exactly what HDR strives for in its own work: To be timeless yet innovative; forward-thinking yet practical.
Among the city’s defining commercial high-rises of the post-World War II era of modern architecture, the nearly 60-year-old Inland Steel Building was the first skyscraper built in the Chicago Loop following the Great Depression. The 19-story office tower, with a column-free layout and all-glass exterior combined with a separate service core, follows Louis Sullivan’s widely held principle of “form follows function.” Clad in stainless steel, the building was designated as a Chicago Landmark in 1998, and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
For HDR’s 20-year-old Chicago architecture studio, the Inland Steel Building represents much more than a piece of architectural history, however.
“Our new surroundings will inspire us and demonstrate the potential of great design. This fantastic workplace environment will hold us accountable to the highest standards of the profession,” says Joe Cliggott, managing principal of HDR’s 60-person Chicago architecture studio. “We have been here for 20 years, but in many ways we have finally arrived.”
HDR Experience
At HDR, we are committed to design excellence and innovation. By employing a highly participatory and collaborative design process, our team of talented professionals creates architecture that is both proud and humble, stays true to its purpose and creates a sense of place that is meaningful to the society it serves. Learn more at www.hdrinc.com or follow us at @HDRArchitecture.
About HDR
At HDR, we’ve partnered with our clients to shape communities and push boundaries of what’s possible since 1917. With 9,200 employees in more than 225 locations around the world, we think global and act local. We’ve completed projects in 60 countries, always following through and holding ourselves accountable.
