Resources

Goldberg’s work can best be understood as part of mid-20th century modern architecture. Within that school, his work can be noted for its individualistic and unique solutions, in particular to complex problems. His work reflects that of someone trained at the Bauhaus, who worked in the Midwest, and who built extensively both large and small works. His work is a continuation of the Chicago school of architecture and structural innovation.

As well as an architect and engineer, Bertrand Goldberg was also an intellectual. He spoke often in public and was active in the broader cultural and intellectual life of Chicago. His vision was a combination of intellectual reflection, technical knowledge and personal insights and cut across traditional understandings on urbanism and progressive social causes. His writings and lectures provide accessible insights to Goldberg’s design process, and can be found in his archive at the Art Institute of Chicago, THere can also be found a detailed bibliography of articles on his work.

Other resources include both published and unpublished scholarly work on Bertrand Goldberg. Although Marina City was a critical success, Goldberg’s larger body of work has been highly regarded but largely not known to the broader public. His work was discussed in Klotz’ Conversations with Architects, and a full issue of A+U was dedicated to his work. The only major monograph, Michel Ragon’s Goldberg: Dans la ville, published in France in 1985, has long been out of print and is made available here.