CHICAGO | Aqua | 858 FT / 262 M | 87 FLOORS

[simcityaustin]

Originally Posted by jjk1103

.......how about Waterview's Shangri La ??

Ha, not even close to being classy enough to being 'fancy' enough, especially considering ceiling heights, views, etc.

[SolarWind]

October 3, 2008

[modkris]

Amazing shots Solar Wind!

[NoSmallPlanner]

Originally Posted by Alliance

That's the entire point of the building. Gang is sick of "icon" towers that sit alone with a little pond around them and have no interaction with their environment or the urban fabric. Aqua is NOT supposed to be screaming "LOOK AT MEEEEEE" from the other end of Grant Park, its supposed to contribute to the character of its local neighborhood, which is where it really shines.

May I point out how rediculous it would be if Aqua went to to toe with AON? Its 300 feet shorter and against AON, it would lose. Aqua is supposed to contribute the the fabric of LSE, not dominate it. If every tower tried to steal the show, all you would have is a circus of a skyline (I can currently think of one GREAT example that Gang herself has critiqued). Gang knows that Aqua is not going to be the anchor tower of LSE, nor will something that is only 800 ft ever really break out of that neigborhood. Designing a banshee of a tower here would be irresponsible.

Gang is dead on with her concept.

Whoa. Whoa!

I wasn't criticizing Gang - just stating my opinion on how Aqua looks from a distance. To me, what I said is pretty much the situation and it doesn't demean the building as far as I'm concerned - it's a *wonderful* design as I (and many others besides yourself) have written. But it does fade a bit with distance and that was the question of Chicago29 - does it retain the same impact at distance?

As to some buildings of today shouting 'look at me!' There are those buildings and to me, it isn't bad to do that - it really depends on WHAT they're shouting about, not that they're doing the shouting.

If a building blends in, it blends in - and it does acquire a sort of symmetry and grace from that accomplishment. But it also loses 'impact' and it's up to the viewer to decide which is more important, or indeed, if it's an issue at all.

NSP

[honte]

The glossy, puffy railings are strangely appealing.

[EarlyBuyer]

Great shot Solar! It blends with the clouds.

Originally posted by SolarWind

[harryc]

The usual shot


Somebody compared this to Hypnotoad - Must photograph -

From Swisshotel




From the upper walk.





Variation in tinting.





Stairs and jungle gym.

[HowardL]

Originally Posted by harryc

This is an absolutely stud shot ... wow.

[denizen467]

Originally Posted by harryc

And before you know it - we are well past the mechanical floor, and into the condo portion now.

[10023]

Originally Posted by EarlyBuyer

Great shot Solar! It blends with the clouds.

Originally posted by SolarWind

This picture pretty much removes all concern about this building not having views. That's a pretty wide open view corridor to the park.

[jc5680]

10.9

[10023]

I have to say it, that base is atrocious.

[Nowhereman1280]

You know I was just down there last night, and I completely disagree with all the — people are giving this building for its base. I personally really like the base. Especially where it sweeps over the park. I think it looks really good.

[Alliance]

Is the base even clad yet? From the renderings it looked like they were planning on using stone. Currently it looks like its just drywall lol.

[jc5680]

Originally Posted by Alliance

Is the base even clad yet? From the renderings it looked like they were planning on using stone. Currently it looks like its just drywall lol.

Its hard to see in my pictures above, but there are seams in the stucco. There is a subtle pattern that mixes large and medium rectangles.

Not sure if this finish is what was originally intended, but seeing it in person does make a bit of difference.

The finish is clean and smooth. For me at least, this makes for a nice contrast to the tower portion.

[Jibba]

I was by the site today, and I will say that it is not that bad, but I am sick and tired of these fortress-style podiums that (literally) lift their residents onto a pedestal while those poor saps who have to resort to transport by foot are dehumanized as they scamper past. Granted this stretch of Columbus isn't that much of a pedestrian sanctuary, but didn't this style die in the 90s after buildings incorporating it ruined a large chunk of Streeterville? Guess not.

[harryc]

Originally Posted by Jibba

I was by the site today, and I will say that it is not that bad, but I am sick and tired of these fortress-style podiums that (literally) lift their residents onto a pedestal while those poor saps who have to resort to transport by foot are dehumanized as they scamper past. Granted this stretch of Columbus isn't that much of a pedestrian sanctuary, but didn't this style die in the 90s after buildings incorporating it ruined a large chunk of Streeterville? Guess not.

Another indicator of focus is that there are no trees at street level, and not much space for planters.

Oct 10 - in the morning light.

[the urban politician]

Originally Posted by 10023

I have to say it, that base is atrocious.

^ Gotta disagree.

I think this is one of the better bases I've seen in a while. It lacks the "disguised parking podium" look that we've seen so much of. And I think we need to remember that the street level will be mostly glass, and with retail space.

[simcityaustin]

I also like the base, and the first floor is all glass I believe.

[spyguy]

Originally Posted by harryc

Another indicator of focus is that there are no trees at street level, and not much space for planters.

Some of the renderings did show trees, and there is the memorial that they're going to build. Plus they haven't even finished the curved portion of the base.