Between Skin and Bone

[ Constructing Air-scape for Modernist Heritage ]

This thesis takes on a modernist heritage as the site of intervention. Situated in Chicago and serving as the primary center for judicial activity, Daley Center is the epitome of International Style buildings in Chicago, which usually feature a single facade and grided structural frame. The architectural industry’s advancing requirements for skin performance deem this type of construction obsolete. However, as a landmark building among many other midcentury heritages, the exterior appearance of Daley Center is under protected status. If the exterior must stay, could the interior be transformed in a way to address the problems of enclosure?

2022 Fall

GSD Thesis

Instructor: Eric Höweler