Dennis Jenders

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.

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