The Architect of the Chicago School
Louis Sullivan was an American architect. He was a partner in the firm of Adler & Sullivan and was a mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright. His work was characterized by the use of intricate floral designs, often executed in terra cotta or cast iron, which he applied to surfaces to emphasize the vertical form of his buildings. He utilized semi-circular arches in his designs for entrances and windows. His architectural approach included the concept that form follows function.
His notable projects included:
Later Works and Legacy
In his later career, Sullivan focused on a series of small bank and commercial buildings in the Midwest, often referred to as his "Jewel Boxes." These included the National Farmers' Bank in Owatonna, Minnesota, and the Peoples Savings Bank in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He also authored an autobiography titled The Autobiography of an Idea.
