Armour Laboratory
Armour Laboratory is a landmark modernist building on the Illinois Institute of Technology campus, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and widely regarded as one of the finest examples of his steel-and-glass aesthetic. The building's precise rectangular geometry, exposed steel frame, and floor-to-ceiling glass panels reward careful, deliberate compositions. Shoot straight-on from across the lawn to emphasize its symmetry and clean horizontal lines, or move in close to isolate the structural grid against the sky. Overcast days work particularly well here, softening shadows and letting the architectural detail read clearly without harsh contrast. A wide-to-normal focal length in the 24 to 50mm range gives you the most control over perspective distortion. The campus grounds are generally open and easy to navigate on foot, giving you room to walk the perimeter and find the angle that best captures the building's quiet, precise elegance. (Chicago, Illinois, United States)
