Unveiling the Visionary Architecture of Bruce Goff: A Journey Through Chicago's Hidden Gems
Unleashing Creativity: The Mind of Bruce Goff
The Art Institute of Chicago's exhibition, "Material Worlds," provides an intriguing glimpse into the extraordinary world of architect Bruce Goff. Beyond his architectural prowess, Goff's artistic soul shines through his music, paintings, and architectural drawings. This exhibition celebrates the unique mind that shaped innovative residential designs, challenging conventional norms.
Chicago's Influence on Goff's Legacy
Goff's journey in Chicago, spanning from 1934 to 1942, was a pivotal chapter in his career. During this time, he not only taught but also established his independent practice, crafting residences that continue to redefine home design. These structures, nestled in Chicago's diverse neighborhoods, offer a rare glimpse into Goff's revolutionary approach to architecture.
Discovering Goff's Hidden Residences
Some of Goff's creations still stand, hidden gems in neighborhoods like Uptown and Aurora. Often, these residences are easily missed, marked only by small indicators of their architectural significance. Goff primarily designed for the middle class, collaborating closely with his clients to create functional and forward-thinking living spaces. His use of circular floor plans, triangular windows, and imaginative materials invites us to reconsider our notions of communal living.
A Potent Period of Development
Goff himself acknowledged Chicago's impact on his growth as an architect. In his own words, "probably nothing I had done previous to the Unseth house in Park Ridge, Illinois...could be called very much my own." This statement highlights the transformative nature of his time in Chicago.
Exploring Goff's Illinois Residences
Here are five Illinois residences that offer a unique insight into Goff's architectural evolution. Please note that these are private properties and not open to the public or tours.
Helen Unseth House (1940): Located at 808 Park Plaine Ave., Park Ridge, this triangular-shaped house is one of Goff's earliest independent commissions. Set on a wooded lot, it blends respect and contrast with its neighboring houses. The house features a mysterious small storage space, a recurring Goff element, and diagonal wood boards creating triangle covers along the front windows. A unique vertical row of heavy, clear glass ashtrays adds a quirky touch to the main entrance. The central fireplace culminates in a prismatic skylight, an energetic feature that seems to rise from the depths of the house.
Charles Turzak Residence (1938-39): Found at 7059 N. Olcott Ave., Edison Park, the Turzak house might blend with its suburban surroundings at first glance. However, its design, created in the late 1930s, predates the modernist craze of the 1950s and 60s. Goff ingeniously utilized a small, narrow corner lot, with the house running almost the entire length of the property. The exterior, clad in Chicago common brick, features a large wooden balcony and overhangs, emphasizing the horizontal planes. The house also served as the home studio of artist Charles Turzak, known for his stylized woodcuts of Chicago scenes.
Chester and Irma Rant House (1938-39): Situated at 210 Wagner Road, Northfield, this home has been described as "Usonian inspired." It echoes the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright, a key figure in Goff's development. The long, rectangular property is set back from a small winding drive, with a design that incorporates wood, brick, and ample glass, reminiscent of Goff's early works. A few years after moving in, the Rants commissioned an addition to the house, designed by Chicago-based architects Perkins & Will.
Myron Bachman Residence (1947-48): The Bachman House, located at 1244 W. Carmen Ave., Chicago, is a striking angular structure that resembles a space-age vessel. This renovation of a late 19th-century building showcases Goff's innovative use of common materials. The exterior is clad in corrugated aluminum, typical of military Quonset Huts, which conceals and highlights the home's original elements, including the gable roof with its stunning triangular window design. The current owner has recently restored the structure, offering a fresh look at Goff's masterful rebuilding.
Ruth Van Sickle Ford and Sam Ford House (1949-50): In Aurora, at 404 S. Edgelawn Drive, Goff designed a unique residence for artist Ruth Ford after his service in the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion. The house features a 70-foot gallery wall with rectangles of anthracite coal and arrangements of cullet glass, emitting a watery light. The circular planes include a central sunken kitchen, fireplace, and a long curving couch covered by an open-air platform serving as Ford's studio. The exterior structure, formed by Quonset Hut ribs painted vivid orange-red, stands out in its wintry Midwestern surroundings.
A Poignant Stop: Goff's Grave in Graceland Cemetery
For those eager to explore more of Goff's work, there are additional sites to visit, including the Paul Colmorgan house in Glenview and the Garvey House in Urbana. However, one of the most emotionally charged stops on a Goff-themed tour is his grave in Graceland Cemetery. Here, Goff rests among other famous Chicago architects like Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan. The curved, triangular gravestone, designed by Goff's former student Grant Gustafson, features a fragment of cullet glass, a poignant reminder of the Oklahoma home Goff built for Joe Price.
As we explore Goff's architectural legacy, we uncover a unique vision that continues to inspire and challenge our perceptions of design. What do you think about Goff's unconventional approach to architecture? Do you find his designs intriguing, or do they challenge your notions of traditional home design? Feel free to share your thoughts and join the discussion in the comments!
