What innovative construction method contributed to the development of the skyscraper concept in Chicago?

The innovative construction method that significantly contributed to the development of the skyscraper concept in Chicago is steel-frame construction. This technique revolutionized the architectural landscape by allowing buildings to reach unprecedented heights while maintaining structural integrity.

Steel-frame construction utilizes a skeleton frame of steel columns and beams to support the building's weight, which means less reliance on load-bearing walls. This flexibility in design permitted architects to create taller and more spacious buildings with larger windows, leading to the characteristic features of modern skyscrapers.

In Chicago, the introduction of steel-frame construction coincided with advances in materials and engineering, enabling the rapid rise of iconic skyscrapers such as the Home Insurance Building, often considered the first modern skyscraper. This method represented a significant departure from traditional masonry techniques and paved the way for the vertical expansion of urban architecture that defines the Chicago skyline today.