S.R. Crown Hall

(1956, Mies van der Rohe)

S.R. Crown Hall best expresses Mies's concept of a universal building. Its steel frame encloses a column-free, flexible space. Typical of Mies is that in the clear expression of the structure, technology transcends into art. The roof of the building is suspended from the underside of four steel plate girders. The girders are themselves supported by eight exterior steel columns, spaced at 60 foot intervals. The interior is divided by free-standing partitions that demark spaces for classes and exhibition.

S.R. Crown is home to the College of Architecture and the Graham Resource Center, IIT's architecture library. The influence of IIT's College of Architecture has been widespread. IIT architecture faculty and alumni have shaped the skylines of Chicago and cities throughout the world.