Louis Sullivan An American Architect

A detailed Summary of Louis Sullivan An American Architect


Louis Sullivan was without a doubt one of the most influential figures in American architecture. He can be credited with lying the foundation of today's modern skyscrapers. In addition, he has produced some of the most magnificent ornaments seen in 19th and 20th century, which adorned his buildings.

On September 3, 1856, the future architect was born Louis Henri Sullivan in Boston, Massachusetts. His background was paternally Irish and maternally French. Louis led a sheltered childhood as result of the civil war, and spent a good deal of time on his grandparents' farm outside of the city. It is here that Sullivan developed an intense concept of nature, which would be apparent in his later work. By the age of twelve, Louis decided to pursue a career in architecture. Moses Wilson, one of Sullivan's high school teachers, introduced him to the disciplines of silence, attention, and alertness, which are necessary components of the abilities to observe, reflect, and discriminate. These would serve to help him in his career pursuits. Asa Gray, a bo


In a relatively short amount of time, Sullivan achieved many strides in American architecture. His works were based on the Romantic Movement of the time, and his most common building ornaments depicted flowers. He constructed diverse types of structures including residences, office buildings, banks, warehouses, factories, theaters, libraries, and an auditorium. Louis was always one to incorporate the latest technological advances into his work. He was the first to utilize steel framework in his construction of the Insurance Building of Chicago in 1884. It was this structure that paved the way for modern-day skyscrapers. He was also one of the first to utilize the electric elevator, and incorporate it seamlessly into his masonry.

Sullivan's first employment came as a draftsman for the architectural firm Furness and Hewitt in Philadelphia, which he felt was best suited to his tastes. The economic panic of 1837 forced resulted in his layoff from the firm and his relocation to Chicago. It was here that he went to work for Major William LeBaron Jenney.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Romantic Movement, Louis Sullivan, French Louis, Illinois University, Building Chicago, Dankmar Adler, Wilson Sullivan's, Architectural Ornament, Clopet Louis, Infact Elmslie, john edelman, american architecture,

Approximate Word count = 722
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History

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