A body of water will never look the same every time you see it. Water is forever changing and flowing. The tide rises and falls and is never the same twice. As the light changes throughout the day, the water reflects differently. This fascinating fluidity to the ever-changing nature of water is something the Aqua Tower in Chicago is not immune to.
Construction began on the Aqua Tower in 2007 and finished in 2010. The lead architect was Jeanne Gang. The naming of the Aqua Tower is quite obvious - the building is designed to resemble water. The method this is achieved is quite brilliant. The majority of the building is made up of glass windows, which reflect the blue sky (or a warmer color if the sun is setting or rising). However, large concrete slabs stick out of the building making up the balconies. These concrete slabs are irregularly shaped in a similar form to waves, giving the impression water along the building. Considering the irregularity of the balconies, each slab is cut with an amazing precision, all working together to create a very organic exterior to Aqua Tower.
It is remarkable how different the building looks according to the perspective you have on it. The look of the building is dramatically different up close than it is a mile away. Light plays a significant role as well. At different times of the day, the shadows cast across the building are of extreme variety. The windows are something to note of as well. The way the light reflects from the windows changes as the sun rises and sets, giving a different effect at all times of the day. It's easy to imagine that even the seasons would affect the way the building is perceived. The white snow would create a different feel to Aqua Tower than a green summer would. Simply the color that the glass on the building would reflect creates a vast variety of images. The possibilities are endless.
This aquatic feel to the building is very appropriate considering the proximity of the nearby Lake Michigan and Chicago River. Navy Pier is also within walking distance. Water is a very important aspect to the area of Chicago that Aqua Tower stands. The sky, the water, and the building all play off each other very effectively.
The Aqua Tower is a unique building in Chicago. Many people who come to visit the city always talk about the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears tower, the tallest building in the United States. However, the Willis Tower isn't really all that attractive of a building, since the architecture was designed with the intent of creating an immensely tall building, not a work of art. The Aqua Tower, however, is most definitely a work of art. It is difficult not to feel emotion when viewing the building. Even more so fascinating is the fact that on every viewing, Aqua Tower evokes a different emotion, due to perceptual differences.
Water and architecture is a fascinating concept that architect Jeanne Gang explores in Aqua Tower. The nature of water is apparent in the architecture of Aqua Tower. It's clear that thought was put into how the building might be perceived at different times of the day and year. The changing of the seasons affect how the light and color reflects off of the building, creating a different image, day after day. Simply the position of the sun throughout the day affects how awe-inspiring Aqua Tower can be. The proximity to Lake Michigan and the Chicago River are also interesting to note when considering Aqua Tower's water-like qualities. It's amazing to consider that massive heavy concrete slabs can be cut in such a way to create the lightness and fluidity found in waves of water. The reflectivity of the windows, typically reflecting blue, create a high level of contrast against the white concrete slabs, further augmenting the look of the waves. Aqua Tower is not only an all-in-one building including residential space, a hotel, and retail stores. It is also an amazing work of art and architectural achievement. The sight of Aqua Towers among the dreary square buildings that surround it is as refreshing as a cool cup of water on searing hot summer day.
