Unexpected Shadows

Unexpected Shadows, originally uploaded by Dennis Jenders.

I learned today that architect Bruce J. Graham died Saturday. Graham worked for Chicago-based architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, where he designed two of Chicago’s most iconic buildings – the John Hancock Center and Willis Tower, formally Sears Tower.

Ironically, on the day he passed I made my first visit to Willis (Sears) Tower. During our walk towards Chicago’s icon I captured this photo. From the shadows of the structure I peered skyward and saw a jet quickly moving overhead leaving the contrail you see in the shot.

At that moment I also noticed the shadows being cast by the massive antennas at the top of the skyscraper. I was surprised that they would actually be seen against the mid-afternoon sky.

Graham’s legacy has defined Chicago’s skyline and will continue to challenge all architects to reach towards the sky.

Dennis Jenders

With nearly 15 years in the field, Dennis Jenders is a digital marketing strategist with significant experience in analytics, design, development, information architecture and market research. Dennis is a founding board member of the Milwaukee Interactive Marketing Association, currently works at Laughlin Constable and is an adjunct professor at Marquette University.

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