by Werner Blaser
Composed of a 30-storey and a 40-storey highrise, and the Loop Post Office, the Federal Center in downtown Chicago was designed by Mies van der Rohe and built between 1959 and 1964. For this large commission Mies was able to use his preferred material steel to the maximum extent. The three different forms together combine to create a dynamic urban space. Alexander Calder's steel Flamingo "stabile" sculpture perfectly completes the impressive plaza forecourt.
In sensitive duotone illustrations Werner Blaser reveals the manifest and the hidden structural and aesthetical qualities of this work to full advantage.
