Curtainwalls have evolved from being merely a façade system to becoming a true symbol of modernity and urban progress. Since the mid-20th century, these aluminum and glass structures have redefined the architectural landscape of the United States, marking a turning point in how we perceive skyscrapers and institutional buildings.
Today, curtainwalls not only represent energy efficiency and resilience in harsh climates, but they‘re also a key factor in the visual identity of cities. Just look at the skylines of New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles to understand how their use has transformed the image of these urban centers and solidified certain buildings as global architectural landmarks.
Join us as we explore and analyze some of the most emblematic projects in the United States where curtainwalls not only served a technical function but also became cultural and urban icons, forever changing the way each city is perceived.
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
Curtainwalls on the West Coast: Modernity and Sustainability
The West Coast of the United States, with cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, has embraced curtainwalls as a symbol of architectural innovation and sustainability. In this region, where seismic activity and environmental awareness play a crucial role, these systems have become an essential tool for urban development.
Wilshire Grand Center (Los Angeles, 2017)
Standing at 1,099 ft., it’s one of the tallest skyscrapers on the West Coast. Its state-of-the-art glass curtainwall combines transparency, seismic resistance, and energy efficiency, while also offering spectacular panoramic views of the city.
Salesforce Tower (San Francisco, 2018)
Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, this iconic tower features a curved glass curtainwall that optimizes natural daylight and reduces energy consumption. It also meets high sustainability standards, making it a benchmark for green architecture in the region.
F5 Tower (Seattle, 2017)
Located in the heart of Seattle, it uses a curtainwall with solar control glass that helps regulate interior temperature and adapt to the city’s variable climate. Its design reinforces the modern and technological identity of the city.
From New York to Los Angeles, curtainwalls have proven to be much more than just a façade system: they’re a symbol of modernity, sustainability, and architectural resilience. They‘ve transformed the skylines of major U.S. cities and established themselves as one of the most comprehensive solutions to the challenges of contemporary design.
For architects, contractors, and engineers, choosing a curtainwall isn’t just about selecting a material. It’s about ensuring energy efficiency, structural safety, and a visual identity that adds value to both the project and the city.
👉 Contact us today and discover how PRL’s curtainwall systems can turn your next project into an architectural landmark.
