Frank Lloyd Wright's "The Illinois," a mile-high skyscraper designed in 1956, was a utopian vision far ahead of its time. The 528-story structure, intended for Chicago, incorporated atomic-powered elevators, five-story "streets" within the building, and mooring masts for dirigibles. Though technologically infeasible at the time, the design showcased Wright's ambition to create a self-contained vertical city addressing population density and urban sprawl, emphasizing spaciousness and integration with nature despite its immense scale. The project highlighted Wright's distinctive organic architecture principles, showcasing a unique blend of engineering ambition and aesthetic vision that continues to fascinate today.
In a fascinating exploration of architectural ambition and visionary design, the blog post "Frank Lloyd Wright's Mile-High Skyscraper Proposal (2021)" delves into the intricate details of a truly monumental, albeit unrealized, project conceived by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This colossal structure, known as "The Illinois," a name evocative of the architect's deep connection to the Prairie State, was envisioned to reach a staggering height of one mile – a feat of engineering unparalleled in its time, and even today a concept that pushes the boundaries of structural possibility. Proposed in 1956, during a period of post-war optimism and technological advancement, The Illinois represented Wright's audacious attempt to redefine urban living and the very nature of the skyscraper.
The post meticulously outlines the sheer scale of the proposed building, emphasizing its 528 stories, which would have dwarfed any existing structure. It explores the innovative structural system Wright envisioned, featuring a "taproot" foundation design intended to anchor the immense tower and ensure stability against wind forces at such extreme heights. This taproot, a concrete core extending deep into the earth, was a radical departure from conventional skyscraper construction and a testament to Wright's commitment to organic architecture, drawing inspiration from the natural world.
Furthermore, the blog post details the proposed transportation system within the building, a critical aspect of its functionality. With the sheer number of occupants envisioned, Wright planned for atomic-powered elevators, a futuristic concept reflecting the technological zeitgeist of the era. These elevators would have whisked residents and visitors between floors with unprecedented speed, addressing the logistical challenges inherent in a building of such colossal proportions. The post highlights the sheer capacity of The Illinois, envisioned to accommodate an astounding 100,000 residents, effectively creating a vertical city within a single structure.
Beyond the structural and logistical aspects, the post also touches upon the aesthetic vision driving Wright's design. It emphasizes the architect's desire to create a structure that was not merely functional but also aesthetically pleasing, incorporating elements of his signature Prairie School style into the design. The Illinois, despite its immense scale, was intended to embody a sense of grace and harmony, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment, a hallmark of Wright's architectural philosophy. The blog post also acknowledges the utopian ideals embedded within the project, reflecting Wright's belief in the power of architecture to shape a better future and address the challenges of urban growth.
Finally, the post concludes by acknowledging the ultimately unrealized nature of The Illinois, placing it within the context of other ambitious, yet unbuilt, architectural projects throughout history. It recognizes the project as a testament to Wright's boundless imagination and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural possibility, leaving behind a legacy of visionary design that continues to inspire and intrigue architects and enthusiasts alike. While The Illinois never materialized beyond the conceptual stage, it serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of architecture and the enduring power of human ingenuity.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42967226
Hacker News users discuss the practicality and aesthetics of Wright's "The Illinois," a mile-high skyscraper designed in 1956. Several commenters express skepticism about the feasibility of such a massive structure, particularly regarding elevator capacity and wind loads. Others question the atomic-powered elevators and the overall utility of a building that size. Some appreciate the ambitious vision and architectural boldness while acknowledging its likely impracticality. A few note the similarity to the tapering design of the Burj Khalifa, suggesting Wright's design may have been ahead of its time in some ways. The discussion also touches upon the societal implications of such a dense structure, with some arguing it epitomizes the flaws of top-down urban planning.
The Hacker News post discussing Frank Lloyd Wright's mile-high skyscraper proposal generated a moderate number of comments, primarily focusing on the practicality and feasibility of such a structure.
Several commenters pointed out the immense logistical challenges involved in constructing and maintaining a building of that scale. One user questioned the efficiency of elevators in such a tall building, suggesting they would become a major bottleneck. Another highlighted the sway and movement that a mile-high structure would experience due to wind and thermal expansion, raising concerns about the comfort and safety of occupants. The sheer amount of material required for the project and the logistics of transporting it were also discussed as significant obstacles.
The conversation also touched upon the structural engineering marvels required to support such a colossal building. Commenters discussed the need for innovative materials and designs to withstand the immense stresses. The potential environmental impact of such a large structure was also raised.
Some users expressed skepticism about the overall purpose and practicality of a mile-high building, questioning whether its benefits would outweigh the immense costs and challenges. Alternatives like building outwards instead of upwards were suggested.
A few commenters drew parallels to other ambitious architectural projects and mega-structures, highlighting the tendency for such grand visions to often face significant delays, cost overruns, and sometimes even abandonment.
Some more technically inclined commenters delved into the specifics of elevator design, material science, and structural engineering principles relevant to such a project, offering more detailed insights into the challenges and potential solutions. For instance, one comment mentioned the concept of sky lobbies and their role in optimizing elevator efficiency in supertall buildings.
While a few commenters expressed fascination with the audacity of Wright's vision, the overall tone of the discussion leaned towards pragmatic skepticism about the feasibility and practicality of realizing such a monumental project with current technology and resources. The discussion did not offer a lot of support for the idea, instead focusing on the hurdles such a project would face.