At the Chicago Architecture Center, our programs and events help you think differently about the places we live, work and play. Get behind-the-scenes access to the city's architectural treasures. Practice your design skills while you play with your family. Participate in expert-led discussions about the latest urban design issues. With these offerings and so many more to choose from, we guarantee there’s something inspiring and fun for you at the CAC.
Once a landscape of butchers and purveyors, Fulton Market is suddenly Chicago’s hottest district for development. Major undertakings by developer Sterling Bay are bringing new dynamism to the area. Join us to review the design of two key projects.
The 2017 Chicago Architecture Foundation Gala, No Small Plans, will take place on Thursday, April 6, at Morgan MFG in the West Loop. Proceeds will benefit CAF's education initiatives for Chicago students. Cocktail attire suggested.
Creatures of all shapes and sizes have homes. Come build a home that is just right for your favorite animal! We’ll make a mini-diorama and create an animal out of clay. Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm for multiple readings of "Home" by Carson…
Obsolete public structures can be found in every Chicago neighborhood. Increasingly, however, these spaces are not being demolished. Architects are assisting in their preservation by re-defining the buildings through creative reuse.
Explore social impact design from 12-3pm with guest architect Ashley Rodriguez, associate at Demonica Kemper Architects. We’ll see examples of her work, go on a walking tour in the Loop and use sketching and bubble diagrams to develop our own designs…
Sixty years ago Frank Lloyd Wright envisioned a mile high tower for Chicago. Finally, we have entered the era of the mega-tall skyscraper (2,000+ feet). How high can buildings possibly go? Our expert speakers tackle this and more.
The Public Trust Doctrine introduced Chicagoans to the notion of an open, public lakefront. While many agree with the doctrine, the past century has been filled with battles over the land. Our panel discusses our lakefront’s past and future.
What makes a building strong? Touch materials like steel and concrete, then design your own house to keep out the big bad wolf! Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm for readings of "The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale" by Steven Guarnaccia.
The lines between art and architecture are further blurred when artist Mark Dion meets up with architect and designer David Rockwell (of Rockwell Group). Presented in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Join us from 12-3pm in our ArcelorMittal Design Studio to work with architects, designers and professional mentors from the Chicago area. These hands-on studios help develop basic architecture and design skills while solving real-world challenges.
Join CAF as we explore San Diego's rich architecture from Spanish Colonial and Victorian buildings to Modern masterpieces such as the Salk Institute. The Pacific coast is calling you!
Hear about the past and future of the Uptown Theatre, a movie palace at the corner of Lawrence and Broadway. Designed by Rapp and Rapp, the elaborate Balaban and Katz Uptown Theatre has remained shuttered since 1981.
Join this two-part book club for a discussion of William Cronon’s trailblazing environmental work. Nature's Metropolis looks at how 19th-century Chicago became a bustling commercial hub due to unique ecological and economic circumstances.
Hear about three new towers overlooking Grant Park that will transform the South Loop skyline: 1000M (by JAHN), Essex on the Park (by Hartshorne Plunkard/Oxford Capital) and One Grant Park (by Rafael Viñoly Architects).
Are you an inventor? Construct a great invention from odds and ends, test it out and celebrate the flops and failures. Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm to enjoy multiple readings of "Rosie Revere, Engineer" by Andrea Beaty.