Willis Tower

What is the context and how did that influence the work?

              The Willis Tower in Chicago Illinois has a history that many do not know about. It was originally named the Sears Tower based off of the company that built it to be their corporate headquarters. It was designed in 1969 for the Sears Roebuck and Company which was the largest retailer of the world at the time.  It began to be built in 1970 and was finished in 1973. At the end of construction the construction workers signed their names on the last security beam before placing it into the tower structure. Sears workers and other Chicagoans also signed the brace to signify unity with the tower. Sears Tower became Willis Tower in 2009 after being purchased by Willis Group Holdings. Many Chicagoans today still refuse to reject this change and refer to the tower as Sears tower. It is something many Chicagoans use to distinguish themselves from outsiders, similar to the famous way Chicagoans like their Hot Dogs and the quality of their Pizza. The Willis or Sears Tower is very interwoven with the culture of Chicago’s society just as it is interwoven into Chicago’s skyline. It also now features a Skydeck where both Chicagoans and tourists alike can stand on a very safe glass floor and witness the world from below thousands of feet in the air.

What is the artist communicating and how?

              Owings and Merrill and architect Bruce J. Graham designed the Willis Tower. They designed it to communicate two main things strength and modernism. The building itself was designed to be a headquarters for a company. The company wanted to convey its strength in business by building a grand building that would be famous all over the world, and it accomplished that goal. The entire building with its height and refined design immediately intimidate the viewer. This was designed to show the strength of Sears Roebuck Company and now works to convey strength for Willis Group Holdings. It also conveys modernism with its simplistic style and streamlined design. Its intersecting lines and amount of windows give the building a modern design although it’s been around for almost fifty years. This design is practically timeless while also achieving the feel of modernism. Even today it feels like one of the most modern buildings in Chicago both in design and in tenants. Its tenants are involved in modern business and more showing the importance and relevance of the Willis Tower. Cycles of tourists are drawn to Willis’ Tower’s strength and modern design. It has become a staple of Chicago because of its two main themes strength and modernism.

Why do you find it beautiful?

              The Willis Tower is beautiful to me for multiple reasons. I have known about the tower from a very young age and visited it while I was still quite young. Its height and elegance still feel quite magical and unique to me even today. Going to see the Tower while I was very young gave me an appreciation for its beauty that simply can’t be shaken. I am also very proud of the Willis Tower. Although I was raised in Evanston Illinois, I always felt a connection to Chicago and its landmarks. Having then Sears Tower and now Willis Tower gave me pride in my city and where I came from. Willis Tower is also filled with successful businesses and is very functional a long with being such a treasured landmark and tourist attraction. Being functional is so essential to the Willis’ Tower beauty, the outside is quite amazing, and its height is known around the world, but its origin and current purpose gives it value that can’t be taken away. Lastly its design is simply so well done. The way it welcomes everyone to the city, whether they are residents, tourists, or just passing through it is quite a welcoming sight to pass by. It’s reflection of the sky and its multi-dimensional design are truly beautiful to behold.