idered unessential. Sullivan created what is called “functional architecture”. In functional architecture a building is not just made with its artistic purpose in mind and it is not made with only its purpose in my mind, but the form of the building on the outside reflects what the building is used for on the inside. Although it seems the natural thing to do, not many architects incorporated nature into their work until Sullivan. The buildings he designed were both representatives of tradition and change at the same time. His belief that architecture is simply an extension of life, a natural function, comes from his life experience. Sullivan designed buildings that made sense to him; that is, their "form follows function." He also had tremendous respect for the natural world; and that was also incorporated into his buildings. He clearly understood the importance of an aesthetically pleasing structure as well as a functional one. Since Sullivan died his formula has become the touchstone for his profession. Almost every major city today has skyscrapers; therefore Louis Sullivan has influenced almost every major city.Today, the majority of Sullivan’s buildings have faced demolition. However, an effort was taken on by the Southern Illinois University to collect and preserve the various ornaments on his buildings prior to their destruction. These samples of his work can be observed at the college museum. However, there still are structures of Sullivan’s standing today. The rural banks that he constructed in Ohio between 1907 and 1920 have been considered by many to be his best remaining work....
