Developments in two materials—iron and concrete—formed the technological basis for much modern architecture
Steel for construction also became abundantly available in the 19th century
In 1892 French engineer François Hennebique combined the strengths of both in a new system of construction based on concrete reinforced with steel
His invention made possible previously unimaginable effects: extremely thin walls with large areas of glass
Architects in Chicago, Illinois, were the first to exploit the possibilities offered by the elevator in combination with the new steel and concrete technologies