Briefly, structural masonry is a construction system in which the walls of the building perform a structural function, using masonry units arranged in a way that is self-supporting and load-bearing.

Few cities test a building’s limits like Chicago. From frigid winters and scorching summers to lake-driven winds and dense urban conditions, it’s a proving ground for materials. That’s why architects, ...

The Monadnock Building in Chicago began construction in 1891 and is still in use today. The building features a somber facade without ornamentation and a colossal height - at the time - of 16 floors.