The Aqua Tower by Studio Gang Architects
Studio Gang Architects have sent us some photos of the recently completed Aqua Tower in Chicago
Full description after the photos….
Photography by Steve Hall at Hedrich Blessing
The Aqua Tower by Studio Gang Architects
Totaling over 1.9 million sf, Aqua Tower is an 82-story mixed-use high-rise that includes a hotel, apartments, condominiums, parking and offices. Unlike a tower in an open field, new towers in urban environments must negotiate small view corridors between existing buildings. In response to this, the Aqua Tower is designed to capture particular views that would otherwise be unattainable. Among the building’s notable features is the green roof terrace atop its plinth—which at 80,000 sf is one of Chicago’s largest—that contains an outdoor pool, running track, gardens, fire pits and yoga terrace.
A series of contours defined by outdoor terraces extends away from the face of the tower structure to provide views between neighboring buildings. These outdoor terraces, cantilevered up to twelve feet, differ in shape from floor to floor. The terraces inflect based on criteria such as the view, solar shading and size and type of dwelling. When viewed together, these unique terraces make the building appear to undulate, presenting a highly sculptural appearance that is rooted in function. Aqua creates a strong identity through its architecture and has become a landmark addition to the Chicago skyline.
Early and close collaboration between architect and builder, as well as the use of contemporary digital tools, allowed the variation in the shape of the floor slabs to be achieved without increasing the building’s construction timetable. The result is a high-rise tower particular to its site that allows residents to inhabit the facade of the building and the city at the same time.
“Aqua Tower was shaped by an organic, site-specific design process. Rather than starting out with the goal of creating an icon, we let the climate and views shape the building, weaving it into its surroundings and treating the building and its environment as interconnected not separate. Even though it may appear to be formally expressive, it is equal parts data and imagination.” – Jeanne Gang, Design Principal Architect
Visit the Studio Gang Architects website – here.
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JohnnyTToxic on 24 Nov 2009 at 1:22 pm #
It’s located at 430 East Waterside Drive, in case anyone was curious. Unfortunately, it hasn’t shown up on Google Maps sat view yet.
Dave on 24 Nov 2009 at 2:14 pm #
Before anyone asks….yes, this is photography.
None of these images are renderings.
crogfinds on 24 Nov 2009 at 2:31 pm #
This building is spectacular. And to see it in person– from the base looking upward– is a really exciting and surreal experience! I have drawn a lot of inspiration for my own work from the design of this structure.
Jon on 24 Nov 2009 at 3:59 pm #
Being from Chicago, I love the addition of the Aqua Tower to the skyline. It will serve as a great point of comparison to Calatrava’s Chicago Spire, if and when that project begins to roll once again…
Argee on 24 Nov 2009 at 8:53 pm #
It kinda looks like a melting glacier, has a very cool vibe too. Must look cold during winter? Maybe we can see pics of the tower during winter?
Great design!
Kevin Matthews, ArchitectureWeek on 24 Nov 2009 at 9:14 pm #
What a great tower concept. Thanks for sharing this info!
Quibble would be what a shame it is that U.S. concrete craft work seems to have become so sloppy these days… the greatness of the tower overall appears to be somewhat demeaned up close by sloppy construction work.
AMcA on 25 Nov 2009 at 6:41 pm #
Fortunately, from the ground level, the sloppy concrete doesn’t really show. I hand’t been aware of it until I saw these balcony photos.
In the worker’s defense, it can’t have been easy doing those curves.
Andy on 26 Nov 2009 at 4:47 am #
very different, I hope it will still look as good in 10 years time
Justin Holland on 26 Nov 2009 at 9:59 am #
Hi
agree with Kevin Matthews, lovely idea and concept.
Shame about the execution of the finishing. Only really shows in the shot along the balconies.
Tere on 26 Nov 2009 at 9:25 pm #
This is cool. The railings reminds me of Gaudi.
rvnarch on 27 Nov 2009 at 9:58 am #
An inspiring work!
dev on 06 Dec 2009 at 10:00 pm #
i guess in my opinion the exterior of the buildingis a little too gaudy but it is different and i appreciate it .. i feel the interiors are better than the exteriors
carolyn l. bates on 08 Feb 2010 at 9:07 am #
I saw the Aqua building in the Feb. 2010 “New Yorker” while I was in my doctor’s office. I have 37 years of experience as an architectural photographer. This building is the very best I have ever seen. I am looking forward to seeing the other work you are doing, that was mentioned in the New Yorker. Congratulations! I am just so excited that someone has finally designed a building to be really excited about.
Carolyn
Christopher Egli on 11 Feb 2010 at 5:37 pm #
I’m not sure if I find the waves beautiful or creepy – they’re very much like the weird plants they find on the ocean floor – but I would offer one tiny criticism; it seems unfortunate that for all the organic willowiness of the balconies, these are still adornments on what is obviously a rectangular box.
Alquiler Yates on 28 Feb 2010 at 10:23 am #
this building is amazing an the skyline. wow.
Roger on 03 Mar 2011 at 1:24 pm #
This building is spectacular. And to see it in person– from the base looking upward– is a really exciting and surreal experience! I have drawn a lot of inspiration for my own work from the design of this structure.