Although we never met, Helmut Jahn has been with me through my whole life in architecture to date. The State of Illinois Center (which will always be its name to me, just like Sears is Sears and Fields is Fields) was THE story when I was starting my undergrad program at the University of Illinois–not only a big deal as a building itself, but a stunning lesson in the way that architecture could be wild and dramatic and uncompromising and by doing so, inserted itself into public discourse (not always in a good way, as the much-maligned building would prove). But I always had a soft spot for it, which has only grown to a more lively affection since moving away from Chicago and seeing the building come under attack (later by barbarians who will rob it of its glitz). It’s a wonky thing but sweetly so, and we need more buildings that invite us to think about them and, whatever you think about the form and function of the thing, there’s no denying the thrill of walking into that vast soaring atrium with the shiny elevators whizzing up and down, unless you are missing your pulse.

I took every opportunity to get with Helmut, so to speak, through building visits as I travel and also making a point to visit his offices whenever they were available through Open House Chicago. What a thrill to stand in front of his desk and look at those pens and markers. I think there may be a rule that the best architects draw with color. It was a real moment when I finally got to. hear him speak on architecture in November of 2017 and it made me like, understand, and enjoy his work all the more. And then it was very cool to learn that he had actually gotten close to me, when he bought a horse farm a mere four miles from my home in St. Charles, Illinois. I drove by it pretty regularly and always scanned the yard to see if I’d spot Jahn, but it never happened.

Then the awful news came in May, 2021 of his death in a bike accident on one of those farmy roads out west of the city. Viewing the Chicago Architecture Center’s tribute exhibition felt something like a wake (nothing against the exhibition itself–it was small but super, but just could not avoid imposing a sense of loss), but scoring a visit to any of his many many many many great buildings on this continent or another remains a real celebration.