The building in question is an unconventional and almost bizarre structure with decorative elements that mimic traditional architectural features but serve no structural purpose. Despite being criticized by forward-thinking critics during the rise of modernism, the speaker finds the building interesting and even likes it. The building's unconventional design won the design competition despite going against the clean lines and simplicity celebrated in skyscraper architecture at the time.
A few years ago, at the very start of the pandemic, Roman Mars wrote an episode of 99pi in which he simply talked about design details in his house -- realizing that he, like the audience, didn't have many other places to go. (You should check it out. It's called "Roman Mars Describes Things As They Are"-- it’s a real time capsule and a fan favorite.) Since then, he's been thinking about and wanting to record a companion episode out in the world.
Over the next couple months, he's going to three cities that shaped who Roman is and how he thinks about design. We'll start in Chicago.
Chicago is a design lover's paradise, from its carefully thought-out original grid to its exceptionally stellar flag design. The city is home to some of the most influential architecture in the US as well.
Roman Mars Describes Chicago As It Is
Note: This series is made possible by the all-new 2024 Lexus GX and SiriusXM.