Thomas W Leslie

Thomas W. Leslie is a Professor at the University of Illinois’ School of Architecture, specializing in architectural history with a focus on skyscraper development, structural engineering, and urban history. His research explores the intersection of technology, politics, and culture in architectural evolution, particularly in Chicago and 20th-century Italian works like those by Pier Luigi Nervi.

Key works include Chicago Skyscrapers, 1934-1986 (2023), analyzing how political, financial, and racial dynamics shaped the city’s skyline, and Design-Tech: Building Science for Architects (2025), a pedagogical text addressing building physics. He has also written extensively on Nervi’s contributions to modernist architecture and preservation efforts for his structures.

• Research Interests: Chicago skyscraper history, structural engineering aesthetics, material innovation, and the cultural impact of architecture.
• Awards: ACSA Distinguished Professor Award (2023), Pattis Family Foundation Global Cities Book Award (2024).

His articles span topics from 19th-century skyscraper materials to post-war construction techniques, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to architectural history. Leslie’s work bridges historical analysis with practical applications, influencing both academic discourse and contemporary design practices.