CHICAGO | Aqua | 858 FT / 262 M | 87 FLOORS - Page 76

alex1 · #**1501** Posted **Jul 14, 2007, 2:49 PM**

this isn't a first of its kind building. In form, there is at least one building I've seen photos of in the Netherlands that is like this one (only about 8 stories tall however). Undulating white balconies and everything.

it's also similar to Harry Seidler's work. I would not be surprised that in the research (or "mood" studies) that Seidler's work became a focal point. http://www.archidose.org/Blog/seidler1.jpg

Alliance · #**1502** Posted **Jul 14, 2007, 3:01 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoyolaBeachView

Well, I'm not so sure about that. When this project was announced, we all went ape shit. I understand your point though. I think if CS wasn't sapping all the energy from us Chicagoans, you'd see a lot more posts here. Believe me, we are all anxiously awaiting the emergence of this masterpiece (I hope I didn't speak to soon). What makes this building so great is that it's designed by a Chicagoan, and therefore, it represents the well of local talent we have. The Reader ran a story about Aqua ushering in the "Third School" of Chicago architecture. My fingers are crossed. I heart Jeanne Gang.

I agree. I don't think anyone underrates this buidling, but with so much going on all over the city, people are simply distracted. Once the main structure starts, there will be a lot of activity here.

harryc · #**1503** Posted **Jul 16, 2007, 12:33 AM**

Some pics of the mat - taken Sun July 15th

This re-bar must be waiting to be spread out

Caisson top woven into mat

What is this thing on the bottom of the crane tower ?

honte · #**1504** Posted **Jul 16, 2007, 1:00 AM**

^ Great shots! Thanks.

newstl2020 · #**1505** Posted **Jul 16, 2007, 2:52 AM**

Does anyone know when the mat pour is scheduled for? It'd be cool to see some shots of that Chi-town forumers!

firstcranialnerve · #**1506** Posted **Jul 17, 2007, 5:03 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex1

this isn't a first of its kind building. In form, there is at least one building I've seen photos of in the Netherlands that is like this one (only about 8 stories tall however). Undulating white balconies and everything.

it's also similar to Harry Seidler's work. I would not be surprised that in the research (or "mood" studies) that Seidler's work became a focal point. http://www.archidose.org/Blog/seidler1.jpg

Alex, I see your point, there ARE some buildings around the world with undulating balconies. BUT and this is a BIG ONE, those designs are highly uniform in their undulations. The AQUA is completely unique in the appearance of chaotic, unpredictable undulations. It looks much more organic and complex than any of those designs. I've taken a closer look at every building people compare to AQUA and they all have UNIFORM, predictable undulations. AQUA is not so predictable. I think it truly is a first of its kind. We can really claim something with this building I think. If i'm wrong about this, I want to see the pictures.

Another example people throw out is the the Australian building called WAVE, which is a smaller skyscraper and also has undulating balconies, even more similar to AQUA than the building pic you linked. But it still is highly uniform and repetitious every couple of floors. So I have to disagree with you. I think this is one of a kind, and a new direction for architecture in terms of complexity. (Im a scientist/engineer so I mean complexity in the sense of much information required to reproduce, unlike the other repetitious, smoothly transitioned buildings)

Horio · #**1507** Posted **Jul 17, 2007, 6:08 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by newstl2020

Does anyone know when the mat pour is scheduled for? It'd be cool to see some shots of that Chi-town forumers!

I'd be on the lookout early this wednesday...

honte · #**1508** Posted **Jul 17, 2007, 6:39 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by firstcranialnerve

Alex, I see your point, there ARE some buildings around the world with undulating balconies. BUT and this is a BIG ONE, those designs are highly uniform in their undulations. The AQUA is completely unique in the appearance of chaotic, unpredictable undulations. It looks much more organic and complex than any of those designs. I've taken a closer look at every building people compare to AQUA and they all have UNIFORM, predictable undulations. AQUA is not so predictable. I think it truly is a first of its kind. We can really claim something with this building I think. If i'm wrong about this, I want to see the pictures.

Another example people throw out is the the Australian building called WAVE, which is a smaller skyscraper and also has undulating balconies, even more similar to AQUA than the building pic you linked. But it still is highly uniform and repetitious every couple of floors. So I have to disagree with you. I think this is one of a kind, and a new direction for architecture in terms of complexity. (Im a scientist/engineer so I mean complexity in the sense of much information required to reproduce, unlike the other repetitious, smoothly transitioned buildings)

There are two buildings, the MAD-designed counterpart to the "Marilyn Monroe" tower in Canada, and the Arquitectonica building in Florida, that are pretty close to Aqua in concept and appearance with the undulating facade. They may even be a bit more elegant.

Because they are smaller than Aqua, they probably will be finished sooner too, I am guessing. This is unfortunate, because I think the Aqua design probably was inspirational to these other designs - especially the Arquitectonica.

JuniorReb · #**1509** Posted **Jul 17, 2007, 5:13 PM**

I know the mat pour is going for Wednesday morning. Also, the bottom of that crane has a self climber, the same as on the Trump Cranes.

BVictor1 · #**1510** Posted **Jul 18, 2007, 6:40 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuniorReb

I know the mat pour is going for Wednesday morning. Also, the bottom of that crane has a self climber, the same as on the Trump Cranes.

Mat pour is happening now

djvandrake · #**1511** Posted **Jul 19, 2007, 4:04 AM**

Quote:

Mat pour is happening now

I hope someone had a camera!

caisson · #**1512** Posted **Jul 19, 2007, 11:40 AM**

Kngkyle · #**1513** Posted **Jul 19, 2007, 11:53 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by caisson

Fixed.

Dr. Taco · #**1514** Posted **Jul 19, 2007, 12:49 PM**

I walked out there during a break from the decemberists m-park show last night, and they were still workers doing their thing around 9pm. Also, don't bother trying to see anything at this point from the park side, cuz yeah, ya can't really see anything

But man is that site huge!

VA_Gentleman · #**1515** Posted **Jul 19, 2007, 5:56 PM**

Great picture caisson, and for the fix kngkyle2. Looks like a bunch of grasshoppers.

SolarWind · #**1516** Posted **Jul 20, 2007, 2:35 AM**

July 19, 2007

djvandrake · #**1517** Posted **Jul 20, 2007, 3:27 AM**

Thanks Solar! Wow! This site is really making progress!

museumparktom · #**1518** Posted **Jul 20, 2007, 12:49 PM**

The Upper Columbus vantage point is great! Upclose and personal to the site. Can someone get over to the Eastern edge of Lakeshore East Development and get a shot back west so we can see the scope of the site in one pic? Is 340 OTP deck open yet? That would give a great NE view also.

Alliance · #**1519** Posted **Jul 20, 2007, 12:59 PM**

340OTP has a roof deck?

aaron38 · #**1520** Posted **Jul 20, 2007, 2:05 PM**

That is impressive progress for one week. Nice shots Solar.