Big-shouldered towers lined up along a flat horizon.
Chicago reads as a lakefront wall of big-shouldered boxes. Willis Tower is the giveaway: a bundled tube that steps back in chunks and wears a pair of tall antennas. John Hancock Center is the other dark column, a slightly tapered slab with two long television masts. Unlike New York, the profile is less a race of competing spires and more a row of heavy rectangles of similar bulk. The skyline sits low to a flat horizon with little mountain or water-arch drama. If you see two antenna-topped giants in a grid of mid-century towers, think Chicago before you think Seattle or Los Angeles.
FAQ
What is the clearest landmark in Chicago?
Willis Tower: A bundled form that steps back in blocks and carries two tall antennas.
Which cities are easy to confuse with Chicago?
New York: New York has more pointed crowns and a busier mix of landmark silhouettes. Dubai: Dubai is dominated by one extreme needle, while Chicago stays broad and blocky.
What should I look for in the Chicago skyline?
Chicago's skyline is easiest when you read the mass of the group first. It feels engineered, heavy and horizontal even when the tallest buildings are prominent.
How do you play?
Look at the colorful city skyline image and pick one of four cities. Eight rounds, starting with 20 seconds and getting tighter each round.
Is it free?
Yes. No account and no download.
Can I play on my phone?
Yes. The quiz is built for a 375px screen first.
