Chicago Symphony

Chicago Reflections

Question: how do you make an image of a public place which is always crowded? Answer: show up very early in the morning on Sunday. People like to sleep late on Sundays. Plus, early morning light is magical for architectural photography.

Jay Pritzker Pavilion is an outdoor bandshell in Millennium Park in downtown Chicago. Designed by legendary architect Frank Gehry it had some legal problems during construction because of historic building height restrictions within Grant Park. And we should thank Aaron Montgomery Ward, the tireless protector of Grand Park for that. But the problem was very cleverly avoided by classifying the pavilion not as a building but as a work of art. And it is indeed a beautiful piece of architectural art.

The trellis were designed not for rain or sun protection but to carry a very sophisticated sound system. It creates indoor concert hall sound experience for those who enjoy the performance on the Great Lawn. The intricate web of stainless steel curved beams is supported by shiny round columns which blend into harmony of majestic panorama of Chicago skyscrapers in the background.

This panorama along E Randolph Ave is one of the most beautiful views where you can see the best of Chicago architecture. Slanted tower of Crain Communications Building at 150 North Michigan. The shiny sliver of the Tower of Sauron in the distance. Prudential Building, or One Prudential Plaza as it is now known, used to be the tallest building in Chicago. Next to it is the chevron shaped spire of Two Prudential Plaza. The tallest of them all, AON Center building dominates the skyline with its 1,136 feet. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Tower has an intriguing story which I might tell later. And the last one is 340 On The Park residential tower. What a fancy name.