The largest Great Lake city

Chicago is the largest city on the shores of our Great Lakes. This city has a long history of preserving access to the lakeshore 

for Chicagoans and visitors.

Daniel Burnham created a plan for the city preserving an open lakefront.

Today, there are park areas and a new playground being constructed on the lakeshore. 

And much of the architecture here relates to Lake Michigan. My favorite is the Aqua skyscraper (in photo below) designed by Studio Gang Architects 

led by Jeanne Gang. 

Aqua (center building) echoes the waves of Lake Michigan in the undulating balconies

 I am enjoying my time in this great city.

Cloud Gate (also known as "The Bean") reflects both the city and the lakeshore

Another Book from My Stack of Reading...

Why Architecture Matters: Lessons from Chicago by Blair Kamin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Blair Kamin has been writing about Chicago's architecture for more than a decade for the Chicago Tribune. This book was part of my reading before I began my walk all the way around Lake Michigan. I wanted to better understand Chicago -- since I began and ended my Lake Trek there -- and understanding its architecture was part of that.

This readable collection of Kamin's essays gives a wonderful overview of the choices that have made Chicago's skyline and city so special.



View all my reviews