In a city known to have some of the world’s greatest architecture, Chicago’s skyline is comprised of some of the most phallic, virile and robust skyscrapers you have ever seen. However, in the midst of the masculinity, a refreshing feminine energy has ascended in the form of a voluptuous buxom of a building named the Aqua Tower. Studio Gang’s principal architect Jeanne Gang designed the brand new tower, which is a luxury mixed-use skyscraper located at 225 North Columbus Drive. This building is nothing short of an absolute vision of Venus beauty. With its undulating waves and sparkling blue reflection mimicking that of Lake Michigan, it causes its surrounding structures to seem instantly mundane and straightedge. In her twirling ‘ballerina figurine’ framework, Gang has constructed 82 stories (making it the tallest building yet to be designed by a woman architect) which holds 740 studios, convertibles, and one- and two-bedroom apartments. This swaggering beauty strategically offers some of the most amazing views of the city from its jutting balconies and green roof garden. And not only is this building designed to be environmentally friendly, but Gang (being the avid bird lover that she is) has taken specific consideration in creating tactically designed sheer glass walls to prevent the common fatality of birds flying into windows.
When viewing this new skyscraper, it is easy to be reminded of Chicago’s famous twin Marina Towers located on 300 North State Street. But at second glance, there is something much more special about the Aqua Tower that sets it worlds apart from the two futuristic mirror image buildings. First of all, the Aqua is built on a rectangular base, but with its unique composition it is given the allusion of a circular and rounded form. Contrarily, the Marina Towers are built on a circular base and, unsurprisingly, have a circular shape—no allusion involved. The Aqua Tower is also far more complex because although it is a solid standing structure, its organic design gives the allusion of fluidity and motion. The Aqua’s protruding balconies can definitely be compared to the Marina Tower’s similar “jutting” edges, however as the Marina’s are linear, lifeless and predictable the Aqua’s are deviating and biotic while still remaining alluringly harmonious.
Overall, the design of Jeanne Gang’s Aqua Tower is incredibly innovative. Through her expertise, she has given the Chicago skyline a much-needed graceful, feminine twist. The tower’s topographic contours and intricate thoughtful design process represent, as well as, uphold the great historic integrity of Chicago architecture.
Describing the tower as feminine is very clever. I hadn't thought of it that way but it is a very apt description.
ReplyDeleteYeah I'm with the Siekster on this one. Very nice description. And Undulate is a great word. Perhaps cause u can't say it without undulating. try it. But seriously nice review. Good description of the building as well as background of its designer.
ReplyDeleteI like how you talked a lot about the designer herself and her personal aspects of it that you wouldn't know by just looking at the building. I loved the beginning! Great review!
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