Today's archidose #322

Here's a few views Aqua Tower in Chicago, Illinois by Studio Gang nearing completion. Photographs are by karla kaulfuss.

aqua - jeanne gang

jeanne gang's Aqua

jeanne gang's Aqua

jeanne gang's Aqua

Previously:
:: Today's archidose #230
:: Aqua Update
:: Aqua Redux
:: Aqua

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Comments

  1. Absolutely beautiful. I love to see architects employing digital technology to explore artistic possibilities. I bet these white "ribs" also act as shading devices for the all-glass facades. Thumbs up.

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  2. I'm curious as to the logic behind the extrusions/flattening on this facade. Does it refer to program on the inside?

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  3. This is fabulous. A fantastic way to break away from the traditional glass box skyscrapers. A great response to climate while creating a unique and beautiful building.

    -Lucas Gray
    www.talkitect.com

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  4. I love it! And I'm going to Chicago next month. I'm definitely going to go and find this building!

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  5. Andrew, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say probably not. Anyone have a plan view?

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  6. I am big fan of Studio Gang. I live in a high-rise across the river from this building, so I was eagerly awaiting Aqua's completion. Sadly, I find the execution lacking from the rendering. Yes, I agree the photos looking up at the undulations of the balconies are cause for admiration. However, there are no photos of the main entrance or base of the building for a reason. Aqua is a victim of a common Chicago building plight. What to do with the parking garage. And, in Aqua's case, how best to crame convention space (or some such blob at the bottom) into the pedestal base. The "as built" base does not look anything like the rendering's sleek base. I will say from my 21st floor perch, the park on top of the hideous base does look good. Oh well, I am sure Studio Gang was forced to deal with a cheap developer and pathetic city codes. Or, as they will most likely say, current economic constraints. Still, I will say it is certainly a cut above of most of the other Lake Shore East high-rises. It's only true rival is 340 On The Park (which it not saying that great either). Sorry, I wanted to love this building. I only like it.

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  7. the bulges in the balconies have to do with sight lines of of adjacent buildings/views that jeanne gang wanted people to take advantage of.

    there is a video from USC of her giving a lecture where she describes in great depth 4 (i think) projects and the process behind design and construction of them. it is definitely worth the hour or so to watch. look for it on USC's website...

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  8. I want to love this building, but only like it... from up close, it is really beautiful. From a distance, the subtlety of the cloud forms are lost, and more of a caricature of the intended effect.

    www.globaldesignworkshop.com

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  9. What material is the undulating horizontals? It looks like fiberglass or plastic?
    From here in New Mexico: it looks fabulous!

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  10. meb - That's good 'ol painted concrete.

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