Welcome to
Chicago
Podcast Tour Engineering Skyward Chicagos Vertical Pioneers
- Duration1h 36m
- Max Travelers30 people
- Free CancellationUp to 24 hrs
- CategoryAudio Guides, Historical Tours
Overview
Trace a century of daring architectural gambles in Chicago’s Loop. From six-foot brick walls to soaring glass curtain walls, discover how engineers conquered swamp soil, roaring fires, and howling winds to invent the modern skyscraper.
– A 1.6 km self-guided tour with 8 stops over 96 min
– Ideal for travelers interested in Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation and Art, Design & Aesthetics
– Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals
– Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app
Gallery
What's included
Verified facts woven into an engaging story
Interactive in-app guide for questions about the story and surroundings
Precise navigation between the stops
Immersive podcast-style audio featuring experts and locals
Itinerary
The world's oldest surviving building using a pure skeletal structure throughout, supporting both internal floors and external walls.
Represents the absolute limit of load-bearing masonry technology, featuring six-foot-thick base walls.
An early masterpiece of steel frame construction and terra cotta cladding, allowing for huge expanses of glass and gothic details.
Showcases pioneering grillage foundation technique and Frank Lloyd Wright's interior light court redesign.
Features the tripartite fau00e7ade division and iconic three-part Chicago Window design by Holabird & Roche.
A mid-20th century landmark moving structural columns to the exterior perimeter for clear-span floor plates.
Louis Sullivan's masterwork expressing his 'form follows function' ethos with intricate cast-iron ornament.
The direct predecessor to modern glass curtain-wall skyscrapers, featuring a steel frame and glazed white terra cotta.
Good to know
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.