Eastern U.S. Cities Through the Eyes of an Architect

The United States—a mesmerizing, irresistible land where, whether you seek it out or stumble upon it by chance, its presence is ever-present: the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the NBA, Hollywood, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola… It is a nation of freedom, pioneering spirit, and innovation.

American architecture, deeply influenced by its culture, has always embraced innovation rather than conservatism. From Classicism to Modernism, its architectural styles have exhibited distinct characteristics, and a steady stream of architectural masters has emerged. Starting with the “father of Modernist architecture,” Louis Sullivan, and such Modernist luminaries as Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, through pioneering architects and firms like Frank Gehry, I.M. Pei, SOM, and KPF, countless iconic works have been created by American architects and firms, leaving an indelible mark on the global architectural landscape.

The two most prestigious cities on the U.S. East Coast—New York and Chicago—are home to some of the world’s most iconic and dazzling examples of modern architecture. After a month-long period of meticulous preparation, the GLA team set off in November, embarking on a journey to these vibrant urban centers. By exploring on foot, we were able to experience these cities up close, savoring their unique character and architectural brilliance firsthand. Upon our return, we reflected deeply on the trip, distilled our insights, and are now sharing with you our “East Coast Cities Through an Architect’s Eyes” adventure.

Over these brief ten days, we engaged in hands-on exploration, systematic documentation, thoughtful reflection, and respectful inquiry—gaining profound insights and a clearer understanding that exceptional architectural works are shaped not only by the materials and formal strategies employed by architects, but also by their bold visions and core design principles, as well as by their responsive engagement with contemporary social realities and the strategic solutions they propose.

Immersed in the tides of our times, GLA has consistently organized group study tours and site visits to architectural landmarks both at home and abroad, enabling participants to experience iconic masterpieces up close. To date, we have visited cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Singapore, and Bangkok, where we have not only gathered a wealth of design insights but also engaged in thoughtful reflection, synthesis, and knowledge-sharing—all in an ongoing effort to enhance our learning and professional expertise. This, in essence, is the true value of GLA’s architectural study tours.