principles + elements

“Reliance Building in September 2015” by Mx. Granger is in the public domain.

This image perfectly shows many of the principles and elements of design, including the elements of texture, pattern, and form and the principles of balance, unity, and harmony. The detailed designs between the windows show the design element’s texture and pattern. The design principles balance is seen through the windows how they are symmetrical and are distributed evenly. Unity and harmony are shown through how all the elements relate to each other and how there is a logical progression of materials and colors throughout the exterior.

connections

Connections for the Reliance Building can be seen in many ways, but the connections between materials are most prominent. The connections between materials are shown through how the cream-colored terra cotta tiles and the scotch granite connect the two buildings. The bottom section of the building was designed by architect John Root and the upper section was designed by architect Charles B. Atwood. These are two buildings connected through materials and technologies.

materials

The main materials used on the Reliance Building exterior are cream-white terracotta tiles and scotch granite. The terra cotta tiles are seen on the upper section of the Reliance Building and the scotch granite is seen on the lower section. Also, iron and steel were used for construction and iron can be seen on the roof beams as well. Glass is also used for the windows.

light + color

The color in the interior of the Reliance Building is very gothic through the dark colors and geometric designs. The lighting also adds to this effect by using artificial lighting through the gothic chandeliers. Also, not having a lot of natural light in this space adds to the gothic feeling because the artificial lighting emphasizes the colors.

experience

The Reliance Building has its own unique experience that is different from other buildings through the designer’s choice of materials, colors, and lighting that create a gothic effect. This experience takes you back in time to the gothic period and you feel like you are living in it. This experience is different from entering a modern building.

theories

The main design theories for the Reliance building are human-centered design and a sense of place. This building is human centered because of how the design was meant for people to move throughout the space through where the rooms and stairs are located. It also has the theory sense of place through how the design is very distinct and you know what building it is by just looking at the plan drawing.

technology

The technologies used to create the Reliance Building are steel-frame construction through reinforced concrete. This was also built on a plate-glass foundation used through masonry construction. This technology created a foundation that can withstand Chicago weather conditions and can be tall.

finishes

The finishes on the exterior of the Reliance Building are gothic inspired. The ornamentation creates a French gothic feeling through the detailed skinny columns and intricate round designs that look to be inspired by French gothic cathedrals. The attention to detail on these finishes shows the depth of this design because you can see the gothic inspiration down to the finishes.

telling stories

The Reliance Building has a very specific story that is different from many other buildings. It first started as a two-story building designed by John Root. Then in 1894, the upper section of the building was constructed by Charles B. Atwood, creating a completely new structure that tells a new story. The story is about how an old building got added onto to create a new and restored building.

Citation

Jenkins, Charles E. 1895. A white enameled building : Reliance building, corner of washington and state streets, chicago, ill. Architectural Record 4, (01): 299-306. Accessed February 22, 2024.