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.
Have you ever looked up at a building and thought, "How was that designed?" "What was the architect thinking?" The answer to these questions and many more are revealed in CAF's new online exhibition, Skyline Stories. In this CAFamily Studio, we will use…
From Google to Groupon, the booming tech field is breathing new life into our city’s former industrial buildings. Explore the design opportunities and economic factors driving this reshaping of Near West Side, Goose Island and River North, plus take a…
The new - Solomon Cordwell Buenz designed - Institute of Environmental Sustainability at Loyola is a beacon of sustainable building in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood. CAF's Behind the Scenes tour, led by the project team, includes visits to the Clean…
Celebrate Chicago's nickname, "The Windy City," at our March Read and Build! Students will read W is For Windy City and make mobiles inspired by artist Alexander Calder. Suitable for ages 3-5.
LunchTalks@CAF: Historic Chicago data – before it was big Jen Masengarb, Director of Interpretation and Research City data isn’t new—architects and planners have long sought ways of quantifying and representing urban design issues. Early data on Chicago…
LunchTalks@CAF: AIA Guide to Chicago, the third edition Laurie M. Petersen, Editor, and Zurich Esposito, Executive Vice President, AIA Chicago The third edition of this authoritative guidebook brings readers up to date on ten years of dynamic changes…
The Big Idea: Experience Data Download the presentation Access to data is shaping the future of the built environment. Join us for a conversation on how emerging technologies will change what we can see and know, how we elect to design and build…
LunchTalks@CAF: The Black Skyscraper Adrienne Brown, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of English, University of Chicago How did the birth of the skyscraper change the way that race was encountered in city centers? Dr. Brown will present insights…
Drinks + Design: Urban Data with LEGO® Drinks + Design in the Studio is a bimonthly, hands-on program for adults. Participants will meet in the ArcelorMittal Design Studio @ CAF to explore the playful side of architecture and engineering during this…
LunchTalks@CAF: Their Final Place: A Guide to the Graves of Notable American Architects Henry Kuehn, author While giants in the field of American architecture have left their important works across the breadth of America, little attention has been…
LunchTalks@CAF: Community and Connectivity: the Jessie White Community Center Joseph Gonzalez, FAIA, of GHAFARI Associates The JWCC is a state of the art recreational and educational facility which serves as the headquarters for the JW Tumblers and…
LunchTalks@CAF: The Fulton-Randolph Market District: Feeding Chicago since 1850 Matt Crawford, City Planner IV, Chicago Department of Planning and Development, Historic Preservation Division 164 years ago the Town of Chicago built a food market at…
LunchTalks@CAF: Trending and Blending: Hot Topics in Multi-Family Residential Susan F. King, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C Harley Ellis Devereaux has created thousands of homes nationwide, and this work provides the opportunity to study how we live and how design…
Ed Uhlir, the former Millennium Park Design Director and now the Executive Director of the Millennium Park Foundation, explains the evolution of the park's design; its significant economic, environmental social and cultural impact, the park's innovative…
LunchTalks@CAF: Exclusive Preview - Open House Chicago 2014 Garrett Karp, Program Manager, Open House Chicago CAF's 4th annual Open House Chicago is taking place October 18th & 19th. The city's largest architecture and urban exploration festival offers…
LunchTalks@CAF: Small Projects, Big Talent Kevin Toukoumidis, dSPACE Studio; Paul Preissner, Paul Preissner Architects; Greg Howe, Searl Lamaster, Howe Architects; Chris Lee, Johnson & Lee Architects and Planners Hear from the award winners of AIA Chicago…
Unlocking the Value of the Old Cook County Hospital: Charrette Results and Panel Discussion The Chicago Architecture Foundation is partnering with Cook County to gather ideas about the future of the old Cook County Hospital Campus. Join us for a presentation…
LunchTalks@CAF: Existing + New: Adaptive Reuse of 5757 South University Saieh Hall for Economics Ken Maschke, P.E., S.E., LEEP AP, Thornton Thomasetti This adaptive reuse project created 23,000 square feet of new building space within the historic constraints…
Unlocking the Value of the Old Cook County Hospital: Open Forum and Charrette Kickoff The Chicago Architecture Foundation is partnering with Cook County to gather ideas about the future of the old Cook County Hospital Campus, and we want to hear your…
The BIG IDEA: Intersections of Design and Big Data Join us as we welcome New York-based author, urbanist and national speaker Vishaan Chakrabarti for an evening lecture and dialogue moderated by noted architectural commenter Reed Kroloff. Through his…