Auditorium Building, Chicago, Illinois, Plaster Arch Details c. 1887

This is a drawing of plaster arch details for the Auditorium Building in Chicago, made by Adler and Sullivan, prominent architects of the late 19th century. Considered through a social lens, these drawings represent more than just architectural plans. They embody the spirit of a rapidly growing urban center and a society undergoing profound change. Chicago in the late 1800s was a hub of industrialization, immigration, and innovation. Adler and Sullivan's work reflected this dynamism, and the Auditorium Building, completed in 1889, was meant to be a symbol of civic pride. Its design, blending modern engineering with ornate decoration, mirrored the city's aspirations. Architectural drawings provide valuable insight into the values of the time. They can be viewed as historical documents that tell us about the cultural landscape of their era, the social function of architecture, and the institutions that shaped it. Through archives and historical records, we can better understand the forces that shaped the design and the cultural milieu in which it was created.