Master Builders: Sullivan, Wright & Mies

Visitors from around the world flock to Chicago to see the groundbreaking work of three major architects: Sullivan, Wright, and Mies. They all lived and worked in the Windy City, leaving behind a legacy of innovative structures that still inspire architects today. Here's the rundown on each of them:

Louis Sullivan (1865-1924)

Quote: "Form ever follows function."

Chicago buildings: Auditorium Building, 430 S. Michigan Ave. (Adler & Sullivan, 1887-89); James Charnley House, 1365 Astor St. (Adler & Sullivan, with Frank Lloyd Wright, 1892); and Carson Pirie Scott & Co., 1 S. State St. (1899, 1903, with later additions).

Innovations: Father of the Chicago school, Sullivan was perhaps at his most original in the creation of his intricate, nature-inspired ornamentation, examples of which cover the entrance to Carson Pirie Scott & Co.

Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959)

Quote: "Nature is my manifestation of God."

Chicago buildings: Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, 951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park (1889-1911); Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park (1905-08); The Rookery, 209 S. LaSalle St. (interior renovation, 1907); and Frederick C. Robie House, 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave., Hyde Park (1909).

Innovations: While in Chicago, Wright developed the architecture of the Prairie School, a largely residential style combining natural materials, an intercommunication between interior and exterior spaces, and the sweeping horizontals of the Midwestern landscape.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969)

Quote: "Less is more."

Chicago buildings: 860-880 N. Lake Shore Dr. (1949-51); S.R. Crown Hall, 3360 S. State St. (1956); and Chicago Federal Center, Dearborn St. between Adams St. and Jackson Blvd. (1959-74).

Innovations: Mies van der Rohe brought the office tower of steel and glass to the United States. His stark facades don't immediately reveal his careful attention to details and materials.