J.M. Brunswick, & Belke Co., Chicago, Illinois, Addition c. 1883

This architectural drawing of an addition for the J.M. Brunswick & Belke Company in Chicago, Illinois, was designed by Adler & Sullivan between 1883 and 1895. These architects are known for their contributions to the birth of the skyscraper and the modernization of American architecture. At the turn of the century, Chicago was rapidly industrializing. This drawing reflects the period's emphasis on functional design and structural innovation. The design is characterized by clean lines, practical layouts, and an almost utopian belief in the potential of industry to improve society. Notice how the blueprints focus on the spatial organization and the integration of new technologies. Structures like this one reshaped the urban landscape and the lives of those who lived and worked within them. Architectural drawings are more than technical documents. They are also historical artifacts that capture the values and aspirations of a society on the brink of profound transformation.