Chicago's iconic wavy skyscraper, widely recognized as the Aqua Tower, stands out for its unique, undulating facade. Designed by Studio Gang Architects, its interior and design features offer significant architectural interest.
Key Interior Areas & Design Features
Sky Lobby & Amenity Floors
The tower's interior features spectacular amenity spaces on various floors, particularly the sky lobby levels. Key areas include:
- Sweeping City Views: Extensive floor-to-ceiling windows throughout common areas maximize panoramic vistas of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, directly influenced by the rippling balcony shapes outside.
- Fluid Interior Forms: Reflecting the exterior, interior design often incorporates curved walls and organic shapes, creating a sense of continuity with the building's wavy exterior structure.
- Eco-Conscious Design: The design prioritizes sustainability. Smart building systems manage energy consumption, while abundant natural light reduces reliance on artificial lighting.
Cool Design & Architectural Innovations
The "waves" define its character and function:
- Balcony Morphology: Each concrete balcony slab is uniquely shaped and sized. This isn't mere aesthetics; the irregular projections provide shade, increase outdoor space for residents, and create the signature undulating appearance.
- Structural Ingenuity: The seemingly free-form facade is meticulously engineered. The varying balcony depths required complex formwork and precise construction to ensure structural integrity while achieving the fluid look.
- Wind Mitigation: The building's form helps disrupt wind patterns, reducing wind loads compared to a conventional rectangular tower and enhancing comfort on terraces.
Observation Note: Access to the private residential balconies is limited to residents and guests. The best public vantage points to appreciate the full wavy facade are from adjacent streets, parks like Maggie Daley Park, or nearby tall buildings.
