Chicago - A unique place for architecture and design

I recently visited the Mid-West American city which is rich with architecture, art and design. My trip consisted of visiting a number of buildings that were integral with regards to modern American architecture, and visiting noted sites in the city.

Chicago is a city that has flourished in recent history and was the first city of the skyscraper (not New York, as many would think). Below is an evaluation of a few observations I made during my trip there:

The Bean:

This sculpture is situated in Millennium Park in Chicago. It has been nicknamed 'the bean' by residents, but it is actually titled 'Cloud Gate', and is by Anglo-Indian artist Anish Kapoor. Its design is subtle in comparison to the rest of the Chicago skyline. It delicately mirrors the skyline above and the people below, providing an interactive piece to the people that surround it. It acts like a distorted mirror to those below and arround it.

As a design piece, the artist has put great consideration into how this sculpture fits into its environment, which I feel is something that applies to all design. It creates numerous responses and reaction to those that view it.