Aqua Tower : Chicago, IL

Materials

The main material of the Aqua Tower is steel which creates a steady main structure for the skyscraper. Along with steel, concrete is used to create a strong base and structure for the building. The building is made of glass that surrounds the building to create a unique pattern that reflects the surrounding environment and sky.

Light + Color

The entire Aqua Tower building reflects light and allows for light to be in every part of the building with windows in every part of the building. The building uses light to reflect sunlight onto the building to create emphasis on the pattern the balconies create. The color of the building is grey and black along with the white balconies and windows being clear but appear blue with the sky reflection.

Principles and Elements

The shape of the Aqua Tower is tall and rectangular and has curvy aspects of the building that reflect light to create a pattern on the building. The color of the building is silver since it is made of steel with windows reflecting the sky to create an emphasis on the windows and balance between the balconies and windows. The exterior of the building with windows creates a continuous line around the building, but the balconies create a wavy line.

Furnishings

The Aqua Tower exterior features mainly feature plants and greenery. The plants and greenery create a connection to nature outside of the city, which makes the building feel more comfortable. The use of materials as furnishings, such as the black railing, creates both aesthetic and safety to the building.

“AON & Aqua” by Benjamin Lipsman licensed by CC BY 2.0.

Experience

The Aqua Tower creates an experience with panoramic views from any area of the building with the surrounding windows. The balconies that surround the building also create an experience with creating a way to enjoy the views of Chicago. From the street view, enjoying the unique pattern of the building creates a visual experience for the viewer.

Technology

The advanced technology of materials allows for the building to be made of mostly strong durable windows. The windows are structurally made to help the building and can sustain the high wind and weather. The skyscraper was also only able to be as tall as it is due to new technology in structure and materials such as steel.

Connection

The structure of the Aqua Tower is made up of connecting points with the main point being the connection between the windows and steel support beams, The unique curvy balconies of the building are connected to the structural points of the steel beams. The windows that cover the entire building create a connection to the outside world and the balconies.

Theories

The Aqua Tower incorporates sustainability theory by incorporating sustainable materials such as steel and glass. In addition, the building is also centered around human centered design by creating an apartment building that allows residents to have access to sunlight along with different unique balconies for each resident. The use of biophilic design is present in use of the connection between bringing the exterior environment inside with the use of windows and the base of the building having greenery that is incorporated into the exterior design.

Finishes

The exterior of the Aqua Tower is finished with greenery to incorporate nature into the urban scenery. The choice of white balconies creates a pattern on the building and was designed to create a unique design. The choice of balconies also creates a way for visitors to see the skyline of the city.

Furnishings

The Aqua Tower exterior features mainly feature plants and greenery. The plants and greenery create a connection to nature outside of the city which makes the building feel more comfortable. The use of materials as furnishings such as the black railing creates both aesthetic and safety to the building.