Chicago Real Estate Blog

It’s Official - Chicago is #1 for Architecture and Design!

Can’t say it’s surprising Chicago beat out nine other major cities for the best architecture and design – I mean, the Windy City is the birthplace of the modern skyscraper and world-renowned architects continue to construct precedent-setting towers here (the Chicago Spire comes to mind). But a new study has done the research and collected hard data that reveals this Midwest town leads the country in architectural and city planning, practice and policy.

The North American branch of international architecture firm, RMJM Hillier, used a combination of research methods and criteria to determine which of the top ten U.S. metropolitan areas has the best architecture and design elements. A survey of 1,000 residents in each city was conducted and the findings were used in conjunction with interviews of American Institute of Architects (AIA) representatives and the expert opinions of RMJM specialists. The rankings were also based on ten separate measures, including the condition of public transit systems and urban infrastructure; number and level of LEED-certified or registered buildings (addresses the green issue); art and design education opportunities; and total National Honor Awards from the AIA.

After all the tabulations, Chicago came out ahead of New York (#2), Boston (#3), Los Angeles (#4), Portland (#5), San Francisco (#6), Seattle (#7), Denver (#8), Philadelphia (#9) and D.C. (#10). In addition to having pioneering buildings, such as the Sears Tower, Chicago was recognized for its great effort towards green design and sustainability in recent years. The city has 37 structures that hold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and even City Hall is equipped with a green roof. The research also showed Chicago has made significant improvements in arts and entertainment with the addition and renovation of performance venues and gallery spaces; and the revitalization of the riverfront district.

That’s what the professionals concluded, but what do Chicagoans think? Turns out, 87% of us believe Chicago has “good to excellent” quality of architecture and the majority of people surveyed also say our city is “well-maintained and attractive.” Wouldn’t you agree?!

Posted at 10:51AM Jul 01, 2008 by Spencer Mason in General  |  Comments[0]