In 1956, American architect Frank Lloyd Wright presented one of the most ambitious architectural concepts of all time: The Illinois, a towering skyscraper designed to stand over 2.4 kilometers high in the heart of Chicago. Nearly seventy years before modern supertall structures like the Burj Khalifa, Wright envisioned a skyscraper that would have surpassed them all. His vision for a “city in the sky” was truly ahead of its time, blending futuristic technology with organic architectural principles.
Wright’s design was not just about height. He imagined a vertical city with 52 floors capable of housing over 100,000 people. It would have featured integrated systems for transportation, including atomic-powered elevators traveling at an astonishing speed of 1.6 kilometers per minute—three times faster than today’s fastest lifts. Additionally, the building was planned to accommodate over 100 aircraft and 15,000 cars, making it a self-contained metropolis.
The Illinois was a striking fusion of nature and technology. Inspired by organic forms, the building’s structure mimicked the roots of a tree, providing stability and strength while counteracting wind-induced oscillations. The central core would have extended 15 storeys below ground, creating a foundation like an inverted Eiffel Tower. The use of metal and glass for the outer shell would have given the skyscraper a futuristic look, a stark contrast to the more organic style Wright was known for in his other works.
Though never realized, the Illinois symbolized Wright’s radical ideas about urban living and architecture. His concept challenged conventional notions of scale, structure, and urban density long before technology or economics could support such an ambitious project. Today, thanks to the work of Spanish architect David Romero, we can see this visionary design come to life through 3D renderings, bringing Wright’s unrealized dream into the realm of possibility.
The Illinois remains a symbol of architectural ingenuity, pushing the boundaries of what was conceivable in its time. While such a skyscraper may not be feasible yet, its visionary ideas continue to inspire future generations of architects and city planners.
