The once-vibrant Arby's in Streeterville, Chicago, designed by architect Stanley Tigerman in 1977, stood as a beacon of postmodern whimsy. The two-story glass façade, adorned with colorful ductwork and piping, made it an unforgettable addition to the city's landscape. The building's design was both functional and playful, featuring a wood-paneled dining area and a curved metal staircase leading to the second floor.
Tigerman, known for his bold designs, aimed to create something that "stood out" from the rest. He achieved this through his use of color and form, infusing the space with a lively energy that was both captivating and inviting. The Arby's became an instant sensation, earning the Distinguished Building Award from the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Fast-forward to today, and the building is nothing more than a memory. Demolished in the early 1990s, its site now houses new restaurants, retail spaces, and hotels. While Tigerman's legacy continues to inspire architects and designers around the world, his Arby's remains an enigmatic footnote in his otherwise illustrious career.
However, those who remember the building are quick to attest to its "cult status." Designers like Iker Gil describe it as a masterful blend of high-end design and surrealism, showcasing Tigerman's unique ability to bring together disparate elements. The Arby's may not have been part of any grand architectural movements or polemics, but its quirky charm has earned it a special place in the hearts of those who cherish its memory.
As we look back on this now-forgotten gem, it serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes the most striking designs are those that exist outside of mainstream attention. The Arby's, though gone, remains an integral part of Chicago's architectural landscape – a testament to Tigerman's unwavering creativity and his ability to leave an indelible mark on the world of design.
Tigerman, known for his bold designs, aimed to create something that "stood out" from the rest. He achieved this through his use of color and form, infusing the space with a lively energy that was both captivating and inviting. The Arby's became an instant sensation, earning the Distinguished Building Award from the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Fast-forward to today, and the building is nothing more than a memory. Demolished in the early 1990s, its site now houses new restaurants, retail spaces, and hotels. While Tigerman's legacy continues to inspire architects and designers around the world, his Arby's remains an enigmatic footnote in his otherwise illustrious career.
However, those who remember the building are quick to attest to its "cult status." Designers like Iker Gil describe it as a masterful blend of high-end design and surrealism, showcasing Tigerman's unique ability to bring together disparate elements. The Arby's may not have been part of any grand architectural movements or polemics, but its quirky charm has earned it a special place in the hearts of those who cherish its memory.
As we look back on this now-forgotten gem, it serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes the most striking designs are those that exist outside of mainstream attention. The Arby's, though gone, remains an integral part of Chicago's architectural landscape – a testament to Tigerman's unwavering creativity and his ability to leave an indelible mark on the world of design.
I mean, can you believe this iconic building is just a memory now? It's crazy how something that was once so vibrant and playful could be erased from our collective consciousness. The fact that it still holds a "cult status" among designers is pretty wild 
. I think what's really interesting is how Tigerman's design wasn't necessarily part of any grand movement or trend, but it just worked 
. It's like he tapped into this special weirdness that made the building feel like an outsider in its own way. That's something we could all learn from, right? 
The Arby's may be gone, but its legacy lives on – a testament to the power of creativity and individuality 
. Iker Gil is right on point when he calls it a masterful blend of high-end design and surrealism. The fact that it didn't fit into any big architectural movement just makes it even more interesting 
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. I love how some designers are still talking about its "cult status" today. It may not have been part of any big architectural movement, but it's definitely left a mark on Chicago's design scene 
. Tigerman's legacy is pretty cool, and this building is like a reminder that sometimes the most amazing designs come from unexpected places 
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. While it may seem like a minor footnote in Stanley Tigerman's illustrious career, its postmodern whimsy and playful design have cemented its place in the annals of Chicago's architectural history. The building's vibrant color palette and curved metal staircase create an iconic silhouette that continues to inspire designers and architects 
. Its "cult status" among design enthusiasts is a testament to Tigerman's unique vision and ability to challenge conventional norms 
. Unfortunately, its demise serves as a poignant reminder of the transience of architectural masterpieces 
. Nevertheless, the Arby's will forever remain an integral part of Chicago's cultural fabric 
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. it's crazy that it got demolished in the early 90s but its legacy lives on through ppl like Iker Gil who are still hyping about it 
and i love how the article points out that sometimes the most iconic designs are the ones that don't get all the attention 
Tigerman was definitely a legend, but this arby's is just special because it's a reminder to appreciate weird and wonderful stuff in life 
. It's crazy to think it's gone now and we're all just left with stories and photos 
This Arby's in Chicago is like that – it may not be there anymore, but its memory and charm still linger on, bringing joy to those who remember it.
That Arby's was fire 
That two-story glass façade was straight outta a dreamscape, I love how colorful and playful it was - totally on fleek for its time 
It's crazy to think it got demolished in the 90s, what a shame 
But its cult status lives on, thank goodness! Designers like Iker Gil know how special it was, and it's amazing to see how Tigerman's unique style continues to inspire architects around the world 
what's wild is that it was only demolished in the 90s and it already has this cult status among designers 
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