Architectural guide captures Chicago’s beauty and breadth

The “AIA Guide to Chicago” says Jeanne Gang’s St. Regis Tower “takes inspiration from nature as well as ancient architecture.” (University of Illinois Press)

We’ve all had this experience living in a city that’s so varied and stylish: We walk down a street in Chicago, spy something and say, “What’s that building?”

Or to get more specific, we’re really saying, “That building is beautiful. What’s its story?” Or maybe, “That thing isn’t my cup of tea. But it’s unusual. What’s its story?”