More than Bricks and Mortar

Victor Hugo once wrote ,"architecture has recorded the great ideas of the human race. Not only every religious symbol, but every human thought has its page in that vast book." Though American architecture is nowhere near as old as Hugo's Paris, it is still an exciting industry. In just the past century America has built it's most notable urban monuments and through preservation they will continue to thrill tourists and citizens. Chicago has always been a city with a taste for iconic buildings, the home of The Seers Tower, The John Hancock, The Bean and now The Aqua.

The art of designing a building can seem like a thankless job. How often do we look at the buildings that are not iconic and think about their history or even their future. America tends to be a culture that has no issue knocking down its history, think of all the stadiums that have come and gone. Even just in the past few years Chicago has considered tearing down one of its most notable creations, Wrigley Field, in order to put a brand new stadium in. Some things so Chicago-centric are not even safe, the L has even faced demolition ideas. To quote Joni Mitchell, "they paved paradise and put up a parking lot." As downtown Chicago continues to modernize and its many diverse neighborhoods become more gentrified, we should consider the trendy architecture verses historical landmarks and what that says about our culture. Aqua is a nice symmetry between artful construction and the demands of Chicago residents thus promoting longevity in an unsentimental culture.

Located just south of the Chicago river, this new building by designer Jeanne Gang is the first skyscraper her firm has created and also the biggest project ever created by a female architect. The building functions as a hotel, office/retail, condo and apartment complex, a hybrid which is a first for downtown Chicago. A big goal for this building is to promote sustainability, which is a major concern in today's market. The terraces were specifically designed to enhance solar shading, energy-efficient lighting and rainwater collection are also important features. The top floor of the building is a green space and the largest in Chicago.

The magnificent design of this building is influenced by its proximity to Lake Michigan. The title is also a reflection of the lake. The building can be seen in its glory from the right bank of the Chicago river in Streeterville. This skyscraper is uniquely distinguishable by it's pattern of recessed terraces, forming a pattern of waves, hence the name Aqua. One could drive right over the Link-Bridge on Lake Shore Drive and completely miss this new addition to the skyline but those fortunate enough to see it in a hazy three o'clock sun will never forget to look for it. The orange light reflecting off the water bathes the white limestone in gold and refracts in the black waves of the Aqua and it's as breathtaking as the Seers Tower on a foggy spring day. Chicago can be proud of its architecture and with new ideas popping up all over the city it's hard to imagine where the future will take it us.

More architectural firms should be following the example of Studio Gang Architects. The mission with this new building is entirely clear. Aqua blends perfectly with the needs of Chicagoans, the taste of the skyline and the necessity remain modern in an ever changing world. Architectural enthusiasts from all over will love this piece of art and residents of Chicago will continue to be enchanted when catching it on a great day. Next time you find yourself cruising down Lake Shore Drive, keep your eye out for Aqua.