Birth of the Steel Skyscraper
Ben Schafer
Civil Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
ABSTRACT: Shafer will present the history and context that led to the birth of the steel “skeletal” skyscraper in late 19th century Chicago. The tenets of Structural Art will be introduced and mapped against the skyscraper and its evolution. The conditions that give rise to innovation in structures, the engineering role in skyscraper innovation, and the solutions that rise to the highest level of engineering success will all be explored. The lesser known role of the engineer John Wellborn Root in the First Chicago School will be highlighted in the lecture. Using these early structures for context, comments on more recent steel skyscrapers are briefly explored.
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