Walter Netsch Bibliography

Secondary Sources

1990s

1990

Books

Saliga, Pauline A., ed. The Sky’s the Limit: A Century of Chicago Skyscrapers. With an introduction by John Zukowsky. Contributions by Jane H. Clarke, Pauline A. Saliga, and John Zukowsky. New York: Rizzoli, 1990. 304 p. il.

This book features two-page entries with photographs and discussions of the historical relevance, influences, and architectural innovations of both the Inland Steel Building (p. 180-81) and the Harris Trust and Savings Bank addition (p. 184-85), each built in Chicago’s Loop and designed by teams of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill architects, including Netsch (see also p. 298).

Saunders, William S., and Ezra Stoller. Modern Architecture: Photographs by Ezra Stoller. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1990. 216 p. il.

Included in this book are photographs of the Northwestern University Library, Evanston, Illinois (p. 113, 150). Stoller was a favorite photographer of Netsch and SOM.

Slavin, Maeve, and Davis Brewster Allen. Davis Allen: Forty Years of Interior Design at Skidmore. NY: Rizzoli, 1990. 136 p. il. plans and diagrams.

Davis Allen joined SOM in 1950 and was an Associate Partner, Senior Interior Designer from 1965 to 1985. Includes references to furnishings and interior decoration of the Inland Steel Building on pages 26-31. (10 il.) And to the Crown Zellerbach Building in San Francisco on pages 32-33 (4 il., 2 plans). In the Inland Steel section, Bruce Graham receives exclusive credit for its design.

Articles

Davidson, Cynthia Chapin. “In Search of the Avant-Garde.” Inland Architect 34, no. 3 (May-June 1990): [33]. 1 il.

Introductory editorial regarding articles in Inland Architect (cited separately) about architects Walter Netsch and Peter Eisenman. Comments briefly on Netsch's Field Theory and his designs for an addition to the Miami University Art Museum. Includes a color reproduction of one of Netsch's Field Theory-inspired paintings.

Jones, William Goodrich. “Academic Library Planning: Rationality, Imagination, and Field Theory in the Work of Walter Netsch-A Case Study.”College and Research Libraries 51 (May 1990): 207-20.

Discusses Field Theory principles in the design of the Northwestern University Library and the Behavioral Sciences Building at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Also details how Netsch had to compromise Field Theory components in the Seeley G. Mudd Library for Science and Engineering at Northwestern University after objections to some design elements from the planning committee. Jones was a librarian at UIC.

Nereim, Anders. “Walter Netsch: Having a Field Day.” Inland Architect 34, no. 3 (May-June 1990): 60-67. 4 il. 13 plans and diagrams.

Examines the development of Netsch’s Field Theory as a set of artistic principles governing his work, just as specific artistic principles governed the work of Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. Suggests that Field Theory developed over time to become less deterministic and more gestural, especially with the introduction of the "chrysanthemum" field. A sidebar explains Field Theory in more detail. Photos show Wells College Library and Miami University Art Museum.

Gapp, Paul. "Beauty Treatment: UIC Campus Gets a New Look at its Old Problems." Chicago Tribune (June 10, 1990): Arts Section 13, p. 14-15. 2 il.

Architecture critic Gapp examines the architectural history of the University of Illinois at Chicago, including complaints that "beauty is nowhere evident" in Netsch's design. The article begins: "A new chapter is about to be added to the troubled history of the University of Illinois at Chicago, whose campus has long been plagued by poor siting, poor planning and controversial architecture. If anyone loses face in the recently announced program of major campus remodeling and construction, it will probably be Walter A. Netsch, the famous maverick Chicago architect who originally made UIC's most important design decisions." Concludes: "One can only hope that in the attempt to improve on Netsch's work at UIC, beauty will be of prime consideration. As of now, beauty is nowhere evident in a campus that has been evolving for 25 years."

Harris, Patricia, and David Lyon. "Academy Days." Adventure Road (September-October 1990): 22-27. 4 col. il.

Popular-interest article on the U.S. Air Force Academy, illustrated with full-page color photos. Shows and discusses the Cadet Chapel on pages 26-27.

Unpublished Material

Bunshaft, Gordon. Interview by Betty J. Blum. "Oral History of Gordon Bunshaft." Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, 1990. 333 p.

Goldsmith, Myron. Interview by Betty J. Blum. "Oral History of Myron Goldsmith." Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, 1990. 152 p.

"Compiled under the auspices of the Chicago Architects Oral History Project, The Ernest R. Graham Study Center for Architectural Drawings, Department of Architecture, The Art Institute of Chicago." This transcript, which includes references to Netsch’s participation in the Air Force Academy (p. 97-98), a fountain at Perlstein Hall (p. 101), and the IIT campus (p. 118-19), records interviews conducted on July 25-26, September 7, and October 5, 1986.

1991

Books

Forrey, Roy. Inland Steel Building: 30 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois: Preliminary Staff Summary of Information. Chicago: Commission on Chicago Landmarks, 1991. 19 p. il.

Planning document that assesses the condition and preservation concerns of the Inland Steel Building.

Miami University Art Museum. Living with Art, Three: The Collection of Walter and Dawn Clark Netsch. With a statement by Walter Netsch. Oxford, OH: Miami University Art Museum, 1991. 40 p. 28 il.

Third installment of the Living with Art series of exhibitions presents 34 works of art added to the Netsch collection since the previous exhibition. Some artists, such as Al Held, Roy Lichtenstein and Robert Motherwell, remain staples of the Netsch collection, while many of the acquisitions are works by burgeoning contemporary artists. Highlights of the exhibition include Leon Golub’s lithograph South Africa, a Lichtenstein tea set from 1984, and Motherwell’s silkscreen print Burning Sun.

Articles

Crump, Joseph. "Less is Skidmore." Chicago (February 1991): 76-81, 114.

Discusses a low point in SOM history when both bankruptcy and the dissolution of the firm were under consideration. Examines personalities and conflicts in the frim and chronicles the volatile relationship between Netsch and Bruce Graham while both were partners at SOM (p. 78-79).

Bristol, Katharine G. "The Pruitt-Igoe Myth." Journal of Architectural Education 44, no. 3 (May 1991): 163-71. 3 il. 2 plans and diagrams.

Analyzes St. Louis's notorious public housing debacle, Pruitt-Igoe, and debunks the myth that the project's demise demonstrated not only an architectural failure, but a condemnation of High Modernism. Netsch's SOM design team worked on renewal plans, which were not realized. Pruitt-Igoe was demolished in 1972. Concludes:"By continuing to promote architectural solutions to what are fundamentally problems of class and race, the myth conceals the complete inadequacy of contemporary public housing policy. By furthering this misconception, the myth disguises the causes of the failure of public housing, and also ensures the continued participation of the architectural profession in token and palliative efforts to address the problems of poverty in America." (p. 170)

Unpublished Material

Hartmann, William. Interview by Betty J. Blum. "Oral History of William Hartmann." Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, 1991. 204 p.

"Compiled under the auspices of the Chicago Architects Oral History Project, The Ernest R. Graham Study Center for Architectural Drawings, Department of Architecture, The Art Institute of Chicago." This transcript, which includes references to Netsch’s relationship with SOM (p. 81, 103), the Inland Steel building (p. 106-109, 134), the IIT campus (p. 130-131), and the Art Institute (p. 181-183), records interviews conducted on October 30-31 and November 1-2, 1989.

Weese, Harry Mohr. Interview by Betty J. Blum. "Oral History of Harry Mohr Weese." Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, 1991. 274 p.

1992

Books

Cameron, Robert. Above Chicago: A New Collection of Historical and Original Aerial Photographs of Chicago. San Francisco: Cameron and Company, 1992. 159 p. il.

This large-format book of aerial photography contains two photos of the Art Institute from the east, displaying Netsch’s East Wing (p. 17 and 25), two photos of the University of Illinois, Chicago campus (p. 104-05), and one photo of the Northwestern University campus (p. 110-11). Highlighted in the accompanying text are the Science and Engineering Building at UIC and the Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center at Northwestern (p. 110-11).

Takayma, Masami. The Structural Architecture of Chicago. Tokyo: Process Architecture, 1992. 167 p. il. maps. In English and Japanese.

For references to and illustrations of buildings designed by Netsch in Chicago, see pages 13, 31-35 (Inland Steel), 57 (Harris Bank Addition #2), 67, 109, 111-13, 115, 118-19.

Unpublished Material

Bassett, Edward Charles. Interview by Betty J. Blum. "Oral History of Edward Charles Bassett." Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, 1992. 159 p.

1993

Books

Morris, Jack H. Inland Steel at 100: Beginning A Second Century of Progress. Chicago: Inland Steel Industries, 1993. 68 p. il.

History of Inland Steel Industries, founded in 1893 as Chicago Steel Works by Joseph Block. Mentions Inland Steel's headquarters building at 30 West Monroe Street, designed by Walter Netsch and Bruce Graham. (p. 3, 46).

Sinkevitch, Alice, ed. AIA Guide to Chicago. New York: Harcourt Brace, 1993.

Includes entries for the Inland Steel Building (p. 67-68), St. Matthew United Methodist Church (p. 135), Joseph Regenstein Library (p. 434), Netsch’s home (p. 177-78), and the University of Illinois, Chicago (p. 283-89). The second edition of the AIA Guide to Chicago (2004, 574 p.) includes essentially the same information on Netsch and his Chicago buildings.

Zukowsky, John, ed. Chicago Architecture and Design, 1923-1993; Reconfiguration of an American Metropolis. Munich: Prestel; Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, 1993. 479 p. il.

Catalogue to an exhibition held at the Art Institute of Chicago from June 12 to August 29, 1993. For references to Netsch's designs, see pages 22, 23, 25, 305, 326, 442, and 471.

Articles

Krohe, Jr., James. “Altered Visions [UIC].” Inland Architect 37, no. 2 (March/April 1993): 52-55. 4 il. 1 plan.

Discusses the proposed redesign of the University of Illinois, Chicago campus, originally designed by Netsch and completed in 1965. Netsch’s response to the proposed revisions is included and suggests that he was largely left out of the planning process. The article also presents general issues relevant to preserving 1960s-era architecture and concludes that renovations must be undertaken with attention to the logic of the original designs.

Bennett, Julie. "Dawn Clark & Walter Netsch." Vital Times (October 1993): cover, 16-17. 2 il.

Feature on Dawn Clark and Walter Netsch that highlights Professor Netsch's career in Illinois state government and her historic campaign for governor in 1994. Mentions Walter's career at SOM, his work since retirement in 1979, and his assistance and support of Dawn's campaign, for which Walter designed pins, posters, and stickers.

Unpublished Material

Rudolph, Paul. Interview by Robert Bruegmann. "Oral History of Paul Rudolph." Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, 1993. 66 p.

1994

Books

Bruegmann, Robert, ed. Modernism at Mid-Century: The Architecture of the United States Air Force Academy. Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press, 1994. 200 p. il.

Compilation of essays that documents the conception, design, and critical interpretations of the United States Air Force Academy, located near Colorado Springs, Colorado. Contributions include editor Robert Bruegmann, Jory Johnson, Robert Nauman, Sheri Olson, James Russell, and Kristen Schaffer. Most essayists are professors or practicing architects. Part I, "Designing and Building the Academy," deals with the movement behind building the Academy, selections of SOM for the commission, designing the site and buildings, and construction. Part II, "Interpreting the Academy," is a series of analytic essays that explores architectural decisions made at the Academy from sociological, political, aesthetical, and theoretical perspectives. Part III, "Interviews and Recollections," publishes conversations in 1958 between Walter Netsch and architectural historian John Burchard, recollections by Gordon Bunshaft (from an oral history of 1989), and an interview with Lieutenant General Bradley Hosmer (USAFA 1959), Academy Superintendent from 1991 to 1994. Hosmer, whom Bruegmann credits with the idea to create this book, was interviewed in August 1993 by Academy Architect Duane Boyle. In Netsch's insightful conversation with John Burchard (p. 174-89), he discusses studying the site and setting boundaries, conceptualizing the general layout, working with Air Force personnel and the overview committee, the Academy's symbolic importance, challenges and problem-solving, and integrating various elements and buildings into a cohesive spatial organization. Burchard, a well-known architectural scholar and editor, was Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities at MIT when the interview took place. Reviews: C. Kent, Chicago Tribune (June 18, 1995); J. Prosser, Planning for Higher Education 23 (Summer 1995): 39-40; D. De Long, Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians 54, no. 4 (Dec. 1995): 482-83; G. Clancey, Technology and Culture 37, no. 3 (July 1996): 646-47.

Webb, Michael. Architects House Themselves: Breaking New Ground. Foreword by J. Carter Brown. Washington, DC: The Preservation Press, National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1994. 224 p. il.

Profiles Walter Netsch's house in Old Town, Chicago (p. 151-54), along with Netsch's career at SOM and Field Theory aesthetics. Netsch describes selecting the site and describes its design as a "laboratory, built at minimal cost from standard parts." (p. 154) Mentions that he continues to tinker with the residence, in particular "the gazebo above the garage, from which he can enjoy the gingko tree he planted in the courtyard when the house was new." (p. 154) Color photos show Netsch and exterior/interior views. Includes one floor plan/elevation.

Articles

Mitchell, Dan. “‘Hero Architects’ Chart a Course.” Inland Architect 38, no. 2 (Spring 1994): 19.

Summarizes a panel discussion held in May at the Chicago Cultural Center, at which veteran Chicago architects Netsch and Bertrand Goldberg discuss the future of urban design and the role of the architect. Netsch notes the perils of souless urban designs and urges architects to maintain a sense of community, social consciousness, and humanity in their work.

Brown, Mark. "Dawn's Quixote: A 'Prophet Without Honor,' Architect Walter Netsch Keeps Churning Out Ideas." Chicago Sun-Times (May 15, 1994): People Plus 1. 3 il.

Article written during Dawn Clark Netsch's campaign for governor of Illinois. Walter Netsch talks about his wife's political career, their art collection and home, their love of White Sox baseball and Boston terriers, and his career with SOM. Also comments on Cabrini-Green and plans for Meigs Field, as well as his tenure on the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners. Recalls their courtship ("conducted at Comiskey Park") and designing their home in Old Town. Mentions controversies that surrounded the U. S. Air Force Academy and UIC Circle Campus, along with his signature Field Theory, which he compares to Frank Lloyd Wright's search for innovative designs. Photos show the couple at their home, their art collection, and buildings that he designed at Northwestern University.

Pacatte, Marcel. "Illinois' First Spouses: Walter Netsch Thrives Outside His Wife's Shadow." St. Louis Post-Dispatch (September 7, 1994): 1F. 1 il.

Profile of Walter Netsch, written during Dawn Clark Netsch's campaign for governor of Illinois. Discusses the Netsch home in Old Town, their art collection (some pieces of which were sold to finance the campaign), their careers, Netsch's major commissions at SOM, his study in the early 1970s to redesign St. Louis's infamous Pruitt-Igoe public housing project, his love of Chicago's parks and service on the Park District Board of Commissioners, Dawn's participation in state government, his youth in South Chicago, and their lives since his retirement in 1979. Includes one color portrait photo of Walter Netsch.

Unpublished Material

Hedrich, William C. Interview by Betty J. Blum. "Oral History of William C. Hedrich." Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, 1994. 192 p.

"Compiled under the auspices of the Chicago Architects Oral History Project, The Ernest R. Graham Study Center for Architectural Drawings, Department of Architecture, The Art Institute of Chicago." This transcript records interviews conducted on April 13, 14, 15, 1992. Hedrich was a photographer for SOM for projects such as Oak Ridge, TN.

1995

Articles

Kamin, Blair. "The Transformation of UIC; Design Puts Humanity Back in the Equation." Chicago Tribune (October 29, 1995): Arts & Entertainment, 14-15. 3 il.

Praises renovations to the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle Campus by Chicago architect Daniel Coffey. Walter Netsch's original walkways and amphitheater were replaced by an open plaza with six seating areas.

Sinisi, J. Sebastian. "Academy Design was Once a Pinnacle of Controversy." Denver Post (November 12, 1995): 14.

Recounts controversies and conflicts over the design of the U.S. Air Force Academy outside Colorado Springs. Those opposed to Netsch's plans for the project included Frank Lloyd Wright and several U. S. congressmen. The second half of this short article focuses on the Cadet Chapel. Claims that today, "those attacks have largely run their course," and that the Academy, which was recently proposed for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, has indeed achieved the mantle of "historic." Photos show the Cadet Chapel's aluminum-clad tetrahedron spires and stained-glass panels.

Sinisi, J. Sebastian. "U.S. Architectural 25-Year Award Won by Academy Chapel." Denver Post ( December 13, 1995): B-5. 1 il.

Announces selection of U.S.A.F.A. Cadet Chapel for the prestigious Twenty-Five Year American Institute of Architects Award, to be presented January 30, 1996, in Washington, D.C.. Explains that the award, conferred each year since 1969, goes to a building 25 to 35 years old designed by an American architect that "exemplifies design of enduring architectural significance." Revisits the Chapel's conception by Walter Netsch and his designs for the Air Force Academy. Netsch's modernistic "Air Age Gothic" chapel met with considerable opposition in Congress and in the popular and professional press. SOM persisted, however, and today the Chapel is one of the nation's most recognizable structures and the "Academy's undisputed centerpiece." Quotes architects Robert Root and Seth Rosenman on their admiration for the Chapel and how daring it appeared when built. Includes one photo of the Chapel's exterior.

Kamin, Blair. "Air Force Academy Chapel Wins Prestigious AIA Award." Chicago Tribune (December 14, 1995): Tempo, 12.

Announces the selection of the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel for the American Institute of Architects' 1996 Twenty-Five Year Award. "The chapel's unusual design made it controversial upon its unveiling, but the building is now one of the most-visited attractions in Colorado."

Kamin, Blair. "Air Force Chapel Gets Attention, But Whole Campus Soars." Chicago Tribune (December 31, 1995): Arts & Entertainment, 9. 1 il.

Critique of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, on the occasion of the AIA's selection of the Cadet Chapel for its prestigious Twenty-Five Year Award. Finds that the entire Academy is more than the sum of its parts, and that the AIA does it a disservice by recognizing only the Chapel.

Unpublished Material

Fujikawa, Joseph. Interview by Betty J. Blum. "Oral History of Joseph Fujikawa." Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, 1995. 43 p.

Hammond, James Wright. Interview by Betty J. Blum. "Oral History of James Wright Hammond." Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, 1995. 60 p.

1996

Books

Gill Lui, Elizabeth. Spirit and Flight: A Photographic Salute to the United States Air Force Academy. With a foreword by Brigadier General Malham M. Wakin, USAF (Retired) and recollections by Walter A. Netsch. USAFA, CO: Association of Graduates, United States Air Force Academy, 1996. 133 p. il.

Lavishly-illustrated book celebrates both the history of the United States Air Force Academy and the architecture that molded it. It includes Netsch’s 1996 acceptance speech for the American Institute of Architects’ Twenty-Five Year Award given to the Cadet Chapel, in which he briefly sketches the character of postwar architecture and the inspirations for his design. The remainder of the book contains recollections by Netsch in poetry and prose, facts about the institution, and notable quotes. For a feature article on Gill Lui and this book, see Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph (November 10, 1996): Lifestyle 1.

Articles

"A Lasting Treasure." Air Force Times (January 15, 1996): 2. 1 il.

Short notice of the 1996 AIA Twenty-Five Year Award given to the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel. "The 34-year-old chapel is the first government project to win the award, which will be presented Jan. 30 in Washington, D.C."

"Accent on Architecture." AIArchitect 3 (March 1996): 5.

Notes Netsch's acceptance of the Twenty-Five Year Award for the U.S.A.F.A. Cadet Chapel on January 30, 1996, at the AIA/AAF Accent on Architecture gala:

Netsch spoke fondly of the work on the chapel and how 'we were all spurred on by Nat Owings, who expected excellence.' He also acknowledged the project's consultants, Eero Saarinen and Pietro Belluschi (both of whom, along with Owings, are AIA Gold Medallists), and said, 'It takes many, sometimes, to make a public work succeed.'

Noel, Tom. "Air Force Academy Captures its Era." Denver Post (March 31, 1996).

Reports on a recent visit to the U.S. Air Force Academy, "... now perhaps America's purest 1950s architectural period piece. Far from ageless, it perfectly captures its time. It epitomizes the international-style dream of buildings as functional machines. The pure, uncompromising plan employs angular glass and aluminum-clad rectangles connected by vast expanses of concrete. The comprehensive international-style design dictates everything, from the Spartan box buildings to the windowless classrooms. Even the desks are made so that cadets have to sit alertly on the front edge, maintaining perfect posture."

Kent, Cheryl. “Softening Brutalism: Is Anything Lost?” Architectural Record 184, no. 8 (August 1996): 21-22. 4 il.

Evaluates plans to “humanize” Walter Netsch’s design for the University of Illinois, Chicago campus, including reasons why the campus project was never fully executed and fell into disrepair. The author argues that some elements of the renovation are incongruous and detract from the original design, which she defends. Concludes that the solutions devised to the problems with the campus are "very banal." Claims that the campus's "proud air of architectural militance now seems reduced, shriveled, as though it would like nothing more than for some vine to grow over it." (p. 22) Includes photos of the campus and its buildings.

Unpublished Material

Brownson, Jacques Calman. Interview by Betty J. Blum. "Oral History of Jacques Calman Brownson." Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, 1996. 280 p.

1997

Articles

Cullinane, John J. "CRM Planning at Two Service Academies." CRM 20, no. 13 (1997): 35-37. 2 il.

Concerns the U. S. Air Force's Cultural Resource Management Plan (CRMP) for the Air Force Academy, issued in June 1994. Cullinane's firm was asked to assist the Air Force in developing a prototype computerize CRMP. Describes the program and concludes that it meets military requirements. One photo shows the Cadet Area, Cadet Chapel, and dormitories.

Unpublished Material

Kerbis, Gertrude. Interview by Betty J. Blum. "Oral History of Gertrude Kerbis." Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, 1997. 186 p.

"Compiled under the auspices of the Chicago Architects Oral History Project, The Ernest R. Graham Study Center for Architectural Drawings, Department of Architecture, The Art Institute of Chicago." This transcript, which includes extensive references to the Air Force Academy project (for which Netsch hired Kerbis as a designer) (p. 57-60, 63-84), Inland Steel (p. 118-19), and other recollections about SOM and Netsch (p. 86, 92, 96, 102, 168), records interviews conducted on May 21-23, 30-31 and June 4-5, 1996.

1998

Articles

Rohan, Tim. "Air-Conditioning Unit." Wallpaper 15 (1998): 87-92. 9 il.

Effusive, heavily-illustrated feature on the U. S. Air Force Academy's architecture ("this top-gun campus stands as America's most formidable complex of modernist architecture"), which lavishes praise on the Cadet Chapel "the perfect fusion of the spiritual and the technological, the modernist dream come true." (p. 91) Credits "a crack team of America's design talent" under Netsch's leadership and relates how he laid out the stained-glass window designs on his living room rug.

Rotenberk, Lori. "Walter Netsch and Dawn Clark Netsch: Cubelike House is Hardly Square." Chicago Sun-Times (January 2, 1998): Features 35. 2 il.

Features the Netsch home in Old Town and the Netschs' art collection. Praises its open interior, light, and fluid multilevel spaces which flow uninterrupted. Quotes Netsch's observation that thousands of architecture buffs have toured the home, so many that the wooden floor had to be replaced. Photos show the home's interior and Dawn Clark Netsch with their Boston terriers. See related story on page 43 of the same issue.

Unpublished Material

Graham, Bruce John. Interview by Betty J. Blum. "Oral History of Bruce John Graham." Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, 1998. 333 p.

"Compiled under the auspices of the Chicago Architects Oral History Project, The Ernest R. Graham Study Center for Architectural Drawings, Department of Architecture, The Art Institute of Chicago." This transcript, which includes references to Netsch’s involvement with Oak Ridge (p. 34), Inland Steel (p. 100-107), making partner at SOM (p. 112-113), inclusion on Nat Owings’ list of twelve most important designers in America (p. 121), working at SOM (p. 126, 251, 253), contrasting style between Netsch and Graham (p. 135-137), and working methods (p. 155), records interviews conducted on May 25-28, 1997.

1999

Books

Randall, Frank A. History of the Development of Building Construction in Chicago. 2nd ed., rev. and expanded by John D. Randall. Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1999. 526 p.

Includes short entries on SOM (p. 40), the Harris Trust building and its additions (p. 277), the Inland Steel Building (p. 353), and the University of Illinois, Chicago campus (p. 361). Building entries include information on location, physical characteristics, architects, and engineers, and a list of photographs. Second edition of a book first published in 1949.

Articles

Abercrombie, Stanley. "The Art of Dining." Interior Design 70, no. 8 (June 1999): 130-131.

Short piece on the recent redesign of the Restaurant on the Park at the Art Institute of Chicago by the firm of Powell/Kleinschmidt. Notes that the original space was designed by Walter Netsch in 1976, according to Field Theory principles. Powell/Kleinschmidt proposed replacing a solid masonry wall with a window wall to open diners' views to Grant Park and eastward toward Lake Michigan.

Date last modified: March 6, 2007

Photographs courtesy Northwestern University Archives