AIA Guide to Chicago

This comprehensive book put out by the American Institute of Architects is a deep dive into the inventory of Chicago architecture. From the oldest project such as the Rookery, the Wrigley to more contemporary examples located throughout the city, this book comes with much history and critical detail on the design and completion of projects reviewed. A great accompaniment to the Chicago Architectural Center's publications and good to have if you plan a visit or a walking tour to see some of Chicago's most iconic architecture.

Excellent resource guide. Electronic format is a little harder to use than a hardcopy, due to tendency to flip back and forth in pages as walking areas. Information is excellent, identifying the important points for each building in context to the city and neighborhood.

I purchased this book hoping to get an insiders perspective into the fascinating architecture and history of Chicago's greatest buildings. Unfortunately, instead of focusing on the cities most well known and history rich buildings, the book goes overboard in its attempt to document what feels like every non-residential building in the city. This often leads to quick two sentence blurbs about relatively unknown buildings that provide neither intrigue nor substance.

The guide is great, but could be greater. First, it is physically tall, but narrow to make it easier to access while touring buildings and neighborhoods. However, it would be more comfortable to sit and read if it were an inch or so wider. Second, while it has lots of photos, more would be better. This also could be turned into a great ebook that could be continuously updated and expanded.

Bought as gift for hubby who is a Chicago history buff; extremely helpful guide; excellent resource for anyone visiting and/or living in Chicago; recommend to have in every home.

Chicago has the nation's, probably the world's, greatest modern architecture. This guide provides an authoritative, succinct overview of all of the noteworthy architecture from the Loop to the outlying neighborhoods. Worth owning and reading and using as you explore.

very interesting

I refer to it as "The Bible", but there are errors--some of which have continued through all of the editions of the book

It's the ultimate guide Chicago architecture, comprehensive and still relatively compact. A must for the visiting lover of this splendid city.

Super complete with a good introduction of Chicago’s history