In the 19th century, Chicago architect Louis Sullivan coined the phrase “form follows function.” Today, the Chicago Furniture Designers Association borrows the still-relevant words to dub its newest exhibit. “Form Follows Form, Architecturally Inspired Furniture,” which would be held September 21—October 28, presents the creations of Chicago designers that honor the tradition and the institute of architecture itself. Suddenly, the act of building furniture takes on a whole new meaning, as designers integrate architectural concepts into their pieces. The show would be held in the Upper Level Sculpture Gallery in the Paul V. Galvin Library at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

“Chicago is full of world-class buildings” says designer and CFDA president Christopher Brandel of CEB Design. “Having these great resources to draw on in our own work is certainly exciting.”