The Chicago River: An Architect's Perspective on St. Patrick's Day
Listen to John, our in-house architect, share his insights about Chicago's iconic river and architecture in the audio recording below.
A River That Shapes the City
Every St. Patrick's Day, Chicago's river transforms into a brilliant emerald green, continuing a 70-year tradition that draws thousands to the riverfront. As our in-house architect John explains, this waterway has profoundly shaped Chicago's development and architecture.
The Chicago River strategically connects the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River system, establishing Chicago as a major trade hub and driving its remarkable urban growth. In a bold engineering feat in 1909, the city even reversed the river's flow away from Lake Michigan to protect the drinking water supply—a move John describes as quintessentially Chicago.
Building Innovation
Chicago's notoriously swampy ground forced architects and engineers to develop innovative foundation systems that distribute building weight across entire footprints. These solutions enabled Chicago's pioneering high-rise construction and led to the city's distinctive elevated street system and double-decker bridges.
John's Top 5 Favorite Features
In the recording, John shares what he loves most about the Chicago River and its architecture:
Urban Openness - The river creates broad openings that allow views of sky and water amid the dense Loop.
Architectural Relationships - Buildings along the river can be viewed from a distance, revealing how they relate to each other and the waterway.
Integrated River Access - Well-designed buildings like Marina City incorporate pedestrian and boat access directly into their design.
Inspired Designs - The river influences nearby architecture, such as 333 Wacker's curving green glass facade that mirrors the river's bend.
Alternative Transportation - Water taxis and architecture tours offer unique ways to experience the city.
John recommends experiencing these elements firsthand: "Take a Chicago Architecture Center river tour and take in the sights. Wave to the people along the river walk and feel a breeze."