It’s always fun to explore outside of the downtown Chicago area on private photowalks for a change of scenery. Last week I spent half a day at the Northwestern University campus with a lovely lady from Philly 🙂

We explored the newish buildings right along the lakefront + the fantastic brutalist library on campus.

First up…

Segal Visitor Center

Designed by Perkins + Will the most fun aspect of this design are the fins on the east side of the building that act as ventilation for the parking garage.

Loved the shadowplay on the edge of the south-facing side.

Ryan Center for the Musical Arts

Designed by Goettsch Partners. So many fantastic angles and reflections with this one. I find one of the more interesting areas for abstractions up close in the corners of the south-facing side of the building.

Kellogg School of Management

Designed by KPMB Architects, this curvy beauty is my favorite on campus. So many reflections and contrasts – the warm wood & vivid blue skies + the curves & lines!

Northwestern University Libary

One of my favorite brutalist buildings (along with the Regenstein Library on the University of Chicago campus) was designed by Walter Netsch. The texture of this is incredible! Plus, love the warmth of the sun on the concrete contrasting with the vivid blue sky.

The black & white versions also make for some more dramatic takes in this building and the others. Clearly, the focus falls on the lines, shapes, and patterns with the BW, while the colors take center stage otherwise.

A couple of details where I felt the BW worked best. It really emphasizes the contrasts in shadow and light, plus, the texture of the facade. The color felt very meh.