Unpacked by AFAR · Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Edward Howard discusses the Guaranty Building, designed by Louis Sullivan, considered the father of skyscraper architecture. Built in 1896, it was revolutionary for being the first building with an exclusively steel frame and curtain walls.
“Now, one of our most famous buildings is the Guaranty Building by Louis Sullivan.”
“Louis Sullivan is known as the father of skyscraper architecture.”
“The Guaranty Building was built in 1896, and it was the first building to have exclusively a steel frame with curtain walls.”
“And that was revolutionary at its time.”