Inland Steel Building in Chicago, Illinois

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The Inland Steel Building stands proudly at 30 W. Monroe Street in Chicago, its sleek commercial high-rise silhouette a testament to the city's vibrant post-World War II architecture scene. Constructed between 1956 and 1957, this iconic skyscraper marked a milestone in the Chicago Loop's revitalization following the Great Depression of the 1930s. The masterminds behind its design were Bruce Graham and Walter Netsch, two visionary architects from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. As a nod to its corporate patron, Inland Steel Company, the building's brushed stainless steel cladding shines like a beacon, reflecting the company's values and aesthetic sensibilities. By strategically placing structural columns along the perimeter and housing elevators and service functions in a separate tower, the architects created an interior floor layout that is remarkably flexible, with no obstructions to hinder creativity or productivity. This innovative design embodies the era's guiding principle of "form follows function," as eloquently expressed by Louis Sullivan. The building's lobby boasts a stunning sculpture titled Radiant I, crafted from gold, stainless steel, and enameled copper by renowned artist Richard Lippold. On October 7, 1998, the Inland Steel Building earned its place as a Chicago Landmark, cementing its status as an architectural gem that continues to inspire and awe. (Credit: Wikipedia) This remarkable structure is part of "Scan The World," a groundbreaking initiative launched by MyMiniFactory. Through this non-profit effort, we are creating a comprehensive digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe for public access. Scan The World is an open-source community project that relies on contributions from individuals like you. If you have interesting items nearby and would like to participate, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can join the movement. Scanned: Photogrammetry (Processed using Agisoft PhotoScan)