CHICAGO | Aqua | 858 FT / 262 M | 87 FLOORS - Page 223

wrab · #**4441** Posted **Feb 14, 2009, 4:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarlyBuyer

Photos taken by EarlyBuyer

Great pics. Looks like they're building a water flume ride up there on the roof deck. Or maybe a go-kart track.

EarlyBuyer · #**4442** Posted **Feb 14, 2009, 4:52 PM**

Thanks wrabbit and yes, how fun would that be!?

EarlyBuyer · #**4443** Posted **Feb 14, 2009, 4:56 PM**

I don't recall seeing this particular video being posted here previously, even though it dates to 2006.

http://blip.tv/file/956067

"...In the development of Aqua, an 82-story residential high-rise in Chicago, the architects employed both scientific analysis and low tech visualization tools simultaneously in a process to discover the form of the building. These methods and processes are discussed here, shedding light on how the criteria of particular conditions influenced form and its articulation in unexpected ways.

Within architecture, “technology” can explain an application of knowledge occurring at any step of architectural production. The steps include tools used in design such as drawing and modeling; parts of the design itself, such as the curtain wall; and finally, the actual construction of the design. This presentation focuses on technology’s role in the design process for the Aqua tower..."

cbotnyse · #**4444** Posted **Feb 14, 2009, 4:57 PM**

what floor are we on? great update.

EarlyBuyer · #**4445** Posted **Feb 14, 2009, 5:08 PM**

If my counting is correct, the 80th floor is in progress.

andydie · #**4446** Posted **Feb 14, 2009, 5:12 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarlyBuyer

If my counting is correct, the 80th floor is in progress.

lovely update EarlyBuyer

If I had known you would post one of your awesome updates today i would have waited with my update video. Well it will be in the March one then

cbotnyse · #**4447** Posted **Feb 14, 2009, 5:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarlyBuyer

If my counting is correct, the 80th floor is in progress.

thanks, so only 2-4 floors left, give or take.

Ryan81 · #**4448** Posted **Feb 14, 2009, 6:04 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarlyBuyer

I don't recall seeing this particular video being posted here previously, even though it dates to 2006.

http://blip.tv/file/956067

"...In the development of Aqua, an 82-story residential high-rise in Chicago, the architects employed both scientific analysis and low tech visualization tools simultaneously in a process to discover the form of the building. These methods and processes are discussed here, shedding light on how the criteria of particular conditions influenced form and its articulation in unexpected ways.

Within architecture, “technology” can explain an application of knowledge occurring at any step of architectural production. The steps include tools used in design such as drawing and modeling; parts of the design itself, such as the curtain wall; and finally, the actual construction of the design. This presentation focuses on technology’s role in the design process for the Aqua tower..."

Did anybody notice that they used STR's Chicago model in the presentation? Pretty cool!

harryc · #**4449** Posted **Feb 15, 2009, 4:32 AM**

From Grand / Prestigo

Grand / StClair

FlashingLights · #**4450** Posted **Feb 15, 2009, 5:01 AM**

Damn, aqua is really taller then I expected it also is noticeable from all angles, I didn't expect it to have that large of a presence.

robhut · #**4451** Posted **Feb 15, 2009, 8:14 AM**

It is certainly a beautiful building.
I am loving it. The only think that I don't like much is the transition floor.
But hey!!! It still a very nice building

EarlyBuyer · #**4452** Posted **Feb 15, 2009, 4:57 PM**

Thanks for the new perspectives of Grand/St. Clair and Grand/Peshtigo Harry!

Yesterday morning I was in the vicinity of North/Clybourn, Aqua is clearly visible from there as well.

Nowhereman1280 · #**4453** Posted **Feb 15, 2009, 5:06 PM**

I just realized that its going to be very important to see how they terminate this building. I really think how they end the wavy balconies could make or break this design. How do you end a decidedly horizontal building?

dkealoha · #**4454** Posted **Feb 15, 2009, 5:28 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by george

^ Maybe they will grow ivy or something on that base to accompany the landscaping planned for the top. I am just amazed at the blatant, in your face, butt ugly simplicity of the base structure. A paradox box.

Doesn't look like ivy was planned for the base... It's like a nasty 1950's attempt at a "modern" two story office building. Still, the tower itself is breathtakingly new and unique.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steely Dan

Aleks · #**4455** Posted **Feb 15, 2009, 7:01 PM**

Harryc, that first photo you posted is amazing! I wish Seattle had skyscraper canyons so I could take pictures like that!

[SP]Neo · #**4456** Posted **Feb 15, 2009, 7:17 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan81

Did anybody notice that they used STR's Chicago model in the presentation? Pretty cool!

yes i did... there was pretty much stuff from SSP.

photoLith · #**4457** Posted **Feb 15, 2009, 7:37 PM**

Yeah, whats up with the terrible looking base. When I was in Chicago over the summer the tower looked fascinating but that base is just eeww.

Anyways, how many floors are left, cant be that many more to go till shes TO.

ardecila · #**4458** Posted **Feb 15, 2009, 10:55 PM**

I like the base. There are lots of subtle little things to notice... like how the loggia along the sidewalk of Upper Columbus has a twisting ceiling. It starts flat and curves upward so that it becomes sloped.

Tom Servo · #**4459** Posted **Feb 16, 2009, 1:14 AM**

i'm actually in love with the base. so far, it's my favorite thing about this building. the condos are god awful, but that's just the nature of the sub-urban bathtub that is LSE. the base is wonderful. what material is its facade?

SolarWind · #**4460** Posted **Feb 16, 2009, 1:21 AM**

I think the building is outstanding, but the base is ugly in my opinion. The facade reminds me of an EIFS that you'd see on a suburban strip mall. Up close, there's striation visible, but it's not visually appealing.