Started in 1880, Holabird & Roche is an integral part of American Architecture. The agency becomes rapidly well known by designing skyscrapers (which have become icons) in the style of the Chicago School, such as the Tacoma Building (1889) or the Marquette Building, ended in 1895. By the early 1890s, the agency employed as many as forty draftsmen and up to a hundred, twenty years later. At that moment it stood as one of the largest architecture firms in the United States, designing the Chicago City Hall (1911) and the Palmer House Hilton (1927).
In 1927 after the death of one of the two founders, the agency changed its name to Holabird & Root, after John Augur Holabird (William Holabird’s son) and John Wellborn Root.Jr took over. Throughout the years, their architectural style changes, going on to Art Deco with the 333 North Michigan Building (34 storeys, 1928), the Palmolive Building (37 storeys, 1929), the Chicago Board of trade Building (44 storeys, 1930), etc. By this time the firm employed some 300 people. During many decades, it will closely follow the transformations of American Architecture. Holabird & Root stays one of the biggest agencies in Chicago.
If much has changed since 1880, yet much has remained the same. Especially regarding their approach which believes in the power of collaboration and not of individualisms, that is to say, the combined efforts of many specialized experts interacting to produce solutions with greatest value as a whole. Going through their numerous projects gives a feeling of specialisation in innovative education buildings. The proof is given by the Waubonsee College Plano. Situated at Sugar Grove (Illinois), it is designed as a stand-alone satellite campus. Spread over two stories the spaces contain classrooms, laboratories, student study areas, etc all strategically placed to enjoy the view on the Plano Lake.
Winner of many prizes and having obtained the platinum LEED certification, the highest in terms of sustainability, the Beloit College shows a clear ecological concept: many environmentally friendly features such as a green, vegetated roof, high-recycled content in building materials and furnishings, significant reduction in energy and water use and storm-water cistern for watering plants in the greenhouse.
With a multipurpose central space connecting two adjacent buildings, its strategic location and its glass façade provide a connection to the nearby river. Another project received the Silver LEED label from the Green Building Council: the General Services Administration (GSA) Childcare Centre which takes advantage of the surrounding natural environment and provides a strong connection between the interior and exterior spaces. It provides also light-filled classrooms with access to the outdoors while respecting the requirements of security and access controls.
Holabird & Root has recently designed the Wellness Center for the Winona State University The design is one of the first of its kind in the nation to truly integrate the six dimensions of wellness: intellectual, social, emotional, physical, occupational and spiritual, in both the buildings program and its operations (indoor athletics and fitness tracks, gymnasiums, health services clinic, etc.).
Furthermore, it is worthwhile mentioning the pedestrian cable-stayed Davenport Skybridge, which has become a touristic attraction with a magnificent view on the Mississippi River, whilst being the safest way to cross the highway. The inside of the Skybridge contains kaleidoscope lighting with 228 LED fixtures and 8036 individual lights.
Holabird & Root has also undertaken the enlargement of the Chicago History Museum, to include gallery spaces, offices, conservation labs, archival space and a museum store. The three story addition follows the perimeter lines of the 1931 building, envelops the 1971 structure and encloses an original courtyard. The museum’s façade has a strong presence on the street. The Art Centre of the Newaygo Foundation with theatre, dance and singing activities is dressed with a metallic skin, its look changing with the sun’s position. Its lobby offers space for events and an art gallery.
Managed to-day by James Baird, Jeff Case, Greg Cook and Jim Miller, with a team of partners and colleagues, Holabird & Root, one can notice, keep open to innovative methods, new materials and changing technologies. “Our process encourages individuals to expand their knowledge through research and discovery in order to allow the company to create intelligent, attractive and professional solutions. While many of our projects are complex, we strive to create straightforward solutions. We believe that great architecture can only result when all of the parts are fully integrated in a clear well reasoned design.”
As a conclusion let’s come back to the Marquette Building, mentioned earlier. Referred to as an example of the Chicago School, this building is one of the first skyscrapers with a steel structure. It is built around a central courtyard and features several distinct elements that have earned it honors as a National Historic Landmark.. The façade sculptures and the mosaics have been designed and produced by Studio Tiffany showing different scenes from Jacques Marquette’s expedition through the Great Lakes region, at the end of the 17th century. Fully renovated in 2006, this building is now Holabird & Root’s head office. This is obviously a return to basics.
www.holabird.com
1. Jeff Case, Greg Cook, James Baird & Jim Miller
2. Tacoma Building (1889)
© Ben Cody
3. Marquette Building (1895)
© J.Crocker
4. Board of Trade Building (1930)
© Antoine Taveneaux
5. Beloit College Center for the Sciences (2008)
© Mark Ballogg Photography
6. Waubonsee Community College, New Plano Classroom Building
©Jim Steinkamp Photography
7. General Services Administration, Training Center Addition and Childcare Center (2009)
© Boris Feldblyum Photography
8. Winona University, Integrated Wellness Center (2010)
© Mark Ballogg Photography
9. Davenport Pedestrian Skybridge (2005)
© Lambros Photography, Inc.
10. Newaygo Foundation, Dogwood Center for the Performing Arts (2002)
© Bénédiction Hedrich
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1. Jeff Case, Greg Cook, James Baird & Jim Miller
2. Tacoma Building
3. Marquette Building
4. Board of Trade Building
5. Beloit College Center for the Sciences
5. Beloit College Center for the Sciences
6. Waubonsee Community College, New Plano Classroom Building
6. Waubonsee Community College, New Plano Classroom Building
7. General Services Administration, Training Center Addition and Childcare Center
7. General Services Administration, Training Center Addition and Childcare Center
8. Winona University, Integrated Wellness Center
8. Winona University, Integrated Wellness Center
9. Davenport Pedestrian Skybridge
10. Newaygo Foundation, Dogwood Center for the Performing Arts
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