Amazing Structures in North America ,Illinois

top 10 Most Amazing Structures of The World

Aqua, Chicago 1st

Aqua is an 86-story mixed-use residential skyscraper in the Lakeshore East development in downtown Chicago.

Height:         262 m

Opened:      2007

Construction started:   March 2007

Address:   Chicago

Architectural style:   Modern architecture

Architect:   Jeanne Gang

This surely deserves to be on the no.1 spot. With enthralling design and innovative concept Aqua surely manages to be the biggest show stealer ever. The fluid contour of Aqua’s exterior creates distinctive floor plans with most residences having their own unique balcony design. Aqua’s balconies not only create the stunning exterior shape of the building, they bring individuality to each home. With no two balconies alike, for the first time ever, each unique owner has a unique condo. you gotta hold your breath as floor to ceiling buildings will take your breath away with that beautiful view right outside.

It makes me wonder what the world will look like 50 years from now if the scene today is so advanced and creative. With such awesome structures being erected it wouldn’t be wrong to quote that ‘nothing is impossible’.

aqua usa building intirior 

structure in general

 

Chicago has been home to hundreds of skyscrapers since 1885. The first building to be build was only 42 meters in height and was finished in 1891. The photos here are pictures of the New Water Tower also known as the Aqua Tower. The tower is built with the illusions of waves engulfing the entire tower. The tower has 82 stories and also has six levels of parking underneath the building. The tower has been built by Jeanne Gang who is the first woman to be commissioned with a project as big as this one. The tower has attracted a lot of attention and is one of the tallest structures in Chicago. The building is a part-residential and part-office complex and houses a lot of amenities like pools, gardens, gazebos and walking tracks. The building also contains a hotel that occupies the first 15 floors. The unique wave design of the building has got a lot of critique from architects but has been well received by everyone.

technical Data

usage

 

facts

• During construction the formwork for the curving edges was guided by a global positioning system.
• Balconies extend as much as 12 feet from the tower's perimeter, and are concentrated outside of living rooms so that bedroom windows have more open views.
• Balcony depths are calculated to optimize views beyond the building perimeter, and also to optimize sun shading within units according to where it is most needed.
• The facade is composed of undulating balconies which change slightly from floor to floor, forming a rippling, curtain-like surface.
• The facade is designed to prevent bird collisions, utilizing the irregular curves of the balconies along with special glass that is opaque to birds.
• Drilling began on the first of more than 300 foundation caissons at 11:20 a.m. on March 12, 2007.
• This is the world's third-tallest building designed by a female architect. It is surpassed only by the two Emirates Towers in Dubai, which were designed by Hazel Wong.
• The name 'Aqua' fits the nautical theme of the Lakeshore East development, and is derived from the wave-like forms of the balconies. The name also matches the blue-green tint of the windows.
• The 736 residential units include 262 condominium units in the upper levels and 474 rental units in the mid-levels, with 55,000 square feet of commercial office space at the first and second floors.

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