All posts by Eduardo Savin

Curtainwalls as a Symbol of Modernity in Architecture 

Curtainwalls didn’t just transform the way façades were designed: they also redefined the language of modern architecture. Their introduction in the mid-20th century marked a radical shift from traditional load-bearing walls, paving the way for taller, lighter, and more visually transparent buildings. For example, according to the State of Washington’s Historic Preservation office, the curtainwall style is attributed to buildings constructed between 1948 and 1965, characterized by prefabricated exterior walls of glass and aluminum hung from structural frames.  

Jonathan Ochshorn notes that by the mid-20th century the curtainwall, beyond its structural role, was increasingly defined as an “environmental membrane,” mediating between variable exterior conditions and interior comfort, while incorporating double glazing, sunscreens, and other technologies to improve lighting and efficiency.  

For architects and engineers, this evolution opened the possibility of designing entire skylines where natural light and glazed surfaces projected modernity and confidence. Early examples such as the Lever House (1952) embody this transition toward fully glazed façades. 

Ultimately, curtainwalls are far more than a construction system: they’re a universal architectural language, capable of expressing innovation, progress, and the visual identity of a city to the world. 

👉 You may also be interested in reading: How to Increase Natural Lighting in Your Building: The Curtain Wall Solution 

Curtainwalls on the East Coast: Landmark Projects 

The East Coast of the United States is where curtainwalls began to consolidate as a modern and innovative architectural solution. Cities like New York and Boston became showcases for how these glass and aluminum façades could transform the urban landscape. 

Lever House (New York, 1952) 

Designed by SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), it was one of the first fully glazed skyscrapers in the United States. Its curtainwall marked a turning point in corporate architecture, projecting an image of transparency, modernity, and efficiency. 

41 Cooper Square (New York, 2009) 

This academic building designed by Morphosis combines aesthetic innovation and energy efficiency. Its steel and glass curtainwall ensures that over 75% of occupied spaces receive natural daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting and reinforcing its sustainable profile. 

One World Trade Center (New York, 2014) 

The most recent icon of New York’s skyline uses a high-performance curtainwall system made of low-emissivity glass and materials designed to withstand extreme wind loads. Beyond its cultural symbolism, it stands as a technical benchmark in safety and sustainability. 

Curtainwalls in the Midwest: Innovation and Resilience 

The Midwest of the United States, with cities like Chicago, became a laboratory of architectural innovation. Here, curtainwalls proved their resilience against extreme climate conditions, such as harsh winters, strong winds, and dramatic temperature shifts. 

Willis Tower (Chicago, 1973) 

Formerly known as the Sears Tower, it was the tallest building in the world for many years. Its black aluminum and glass curtainwall was designed not only to project modernity but also to withstand the enormous wind pressures that affect skyscrapers in Chicago. 

Aqua Tower (Chicago, 2009) 

Designed by Studio Gang, this tower combines a glass curtainwall with undulating balconies that act as wind breakers. The result is a highly efficient building that maximizes natural daylight while mitigating the extreme climate conditions of Chicago. 

👉  You may also be interested in reading: Which Works Best in Harsh Climates? Comparation Curtainwalls vs. Other Façade Systems