word of the week: CURTAIN WALL
May 17, 2010
333 W. Wacker, CNS 2010
CURTAIN WALL: An exterior wall that offers no structural support and literally hangs off of a building’s skeletal frame like a curtain.
Reliance Building
Compare the modern curved and reflective curtain wall on 333 W. Wacker (far left) with the historic curtain wall on the Reliance Building. With 2/3 of its facade comprised of glass, the Reliance Building is arguably the world’s first glass skyscraper.
COMMENTS? Where’s your favorite curtain wall in Chicago?
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BLUEPRINT: Chicago 
Where is the Reliance Building located?
Today it is called the Burnham Hotel and is located at 1 W. Washington Street at the intersection of Washington and State streets.