Working as an architect in the United States, Louis Sullivan could be considered one of the most influential architects of his time. Born in 1858, Sullivan attended the Chicago School of Architecture in the late 1800s. What makes Sullivan unique and what separates him from other architects of the 1800s was the fact that he wanted to create a true American style of architecture, rather than build off of others originating in Europe, which the majority of architects had done. The resulting style that he had invented is defined by “a mixture of plain geometry and undisguised massing punctuated with elaborate pockets of ornamentation in stone, wood, and terra cotta.” The issues that were going on in the time, such as the “needs of the people” and time inspired his architecture. His debut as a famous architect began when he was commissioned with the reconstruction of Chicago’s Hooley’s Theatre in 1882, which he received many approving reviews from critics. Other popular works by Sullivan include the Auditorium Theatre, the Carson, the Charnley House, and the Union Trust Building. Because he worked vertically rather than horizontal, he has over time gained the title of the “Father of the Skyscraper”, and because he worked towards an American style of architecture rather than building off of others, he is called by many the “Prophet of Modern Architecture.” Louis Sullivan is a staple for knowledge to any architect studying American history, and is most well known because of his famous quote, “form follows function.”
Sources:
http://louissullivanfilm.com/sullivan/
http://architect.architecture.sk/louis-henry-sullivan-architect/louis-henry-sullivan-architect.php
