In 2010, Frank Gehry collaborated with to revitalize the lobby of Chicago’s landmark Inland Steel Building . While Gehry is often celebrated for his own "Capital-A Architecture," this project was a subtle act of stewardship, where he acted as an advocate for the original design by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) rather than imposing his own signature sculptural style. The Intervention: A Fractured Glass Desk
Because of the desk's significant weight, the project required steel reinforcements to be installed beneath the lobby floor to support the piece. frank gehry and capital properties
The Inland Steel Building, located at in Chicago, is a pioneer of the International Style. Capital Properties purchased the building in the mid-2000s and sought Gehry’s expertise to modernize the space. Rather than redesigning it, Gehry worked closely with the original firm, SOM, to ensure the updates respected the building's status as a historic monument. Frank Gehry Helps Preserve Inland Steel Building in Chicago In 2010, Frank Gehry collaborated with to revitalize
Gehry’s primary physical contribution to the project was a custom-designed made of fractured cast glass . The Inland Steel Building, located at in Chicago,
The desk was intended to bring the mid-century modern lobby into the present "subtly" without overshadowing the original 1950s aesthetic.
Executives at Capital Properties described the collaboration as a way to ensure "Frank will be there" while maintaining the building's historical integrity. The Context: Inland Steel Building