June 27, 2010: Aqua Tower

There's been all kinds of over the top skyscrapers being built everywhere, especially in the Middle and Far East.
But I like this one, in Chicago, most bestest.

The name reflects the nautical theme of the other buildings in the locality and you can see why, with the wave like balconies that give the tower an organic, almost living ambience. The terraces on the balconies are refined so that solar shading is maximized. Sustainability is a hugely important part of the structure, with energy efficient lighting and rainwater collection systems.
~
Skyscrapers are often seen to be an expression of, to put it politely, male prowess and there has always been a certain my skyscraper is taller than yours not so friendly competition. Perhaps the elegance and fluidity of this design is due to the fact that Gang is a woman – as is at least half of the staff on her team.

linkhttp://www.kuriositas.com/2010/06/aqua-tower-inspired-inventiveness-and.html

due to the fact that Gang is a woman

and if it falls over, it will be a Gang bang

I seem to recall that the design of the building also happened (by design or by chance I'm not sure) to reduce wind gusting, or something like that, so unlike most skyscrapers the balconies up on the 80th floors are useable.

lumberjim;666745 wrote:

and if it falls over, it will be a Gang bang

:rolleyes:

From this perspective, it looks a bit Gaudi-ish, only built with more modern materials.

That is awesome!

Just beautiful. I'll bet that the reflections of the light, sunset, etc. and clouds as they move are spectacular.

A giant puzzle for window washers :)

I think it was inspired by Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Park:

it reminds me of some kind of filter. What am I thinking of? air conditioning filter? fish filter? (puzzles on't)

Car air filter, I'd imagine. The guys at the oil change places are always showing them to you, asking if you want to replace it, because they're hoping you don't know what a relatively dirty or clean one is supposed to look like.

Cuttlefish bone.