Aqua Tower – very coool by Lotzman Katzman is licensed under CC BY 2.0
In a dense city like Chicago, how do you create another high-rise that can actually give people a view?
That is the question award-winning architects Studio Gang set out to answer when they began work on the Aqua Tower. Views from the upper floors would be possible but not as good from the mid to lower floors. The challenge sparked this unusual solution, allowing tenants views of specific landmarks around the city.
Drawing inspiration from the limestone in the great lakes area, a sort of typography was created on the facade of the building.
As the project developed, other benefits became apparent as well. The wind’s effect was lessened due to the undulating shape. The unusual balconies also allowed for more social interaction as it is possible to see your neighbors. That would not be possible in a standard building.
Simple, effective, and interesting, it’s no surprise that this building has won numerous awards.
