Aqua: An Architectural Beauty

Upon walking up to the new Aqua building in Chicago, one’s first thought can be summed-up in one simple three-letter word: Wow. This spectacular skyscraper has a lot to say, and it’s not in the least bit afraid to say it.

This massive endeavor began in 2006, and was finished 4 years later in 2010. Designed by architect Jeanne Gang with Studio Gang Architects, it is known as the tallest building in the United States that was designed by an architecture firm led by a woman. It is located in The Loop area of Chicago at 225 N. Columbus Drive, and was given its water-themed name, Aqua, in order to keep with the nautical concepts of the buildings in the surrounding area (such as The Tides and The Shoreham). However, Aqua manages to dramatically out-shine its neighbor structures despite its similarly categorized choice of name. The aquatic theme makes perfect sense, seeing as the structure is located by both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.  With a shocking total of 82 floors, Aqua is a massive architectural feat. Floors 1-18 are designated for hotel residents, and 19-80 are residential apartments and condominiums. And as if its accomplishments aren’t abundant enough, it is also the first building in Chicago to have electric car charging stations. Amazed yet?

                Well, there’s more. The structure itself is made up of hundreds of curvy concrete panels, each one unique, seemingly “stacked” one on top of the other. Small, square windows peek through on each side, resembling water puddled in between raised areas of wet sand. It seems as if the building is almost one large, rippling wave, flowing in the wind. It stands out marvelously from its surrounding buildings, such as the Fairmont Hotel Chicago directly across the street. Aqua simply has more character. Staring up at the huge structure, it seems almost as if it were molded out of clay by a sculptor on an enormous spin wheel. But whatever you choose to compare it to, there’s no denying its awe-inspiring beauty.

                The only criticism that this amazing building brings to mind is the fact that it’s so aware of its own amazingness. Plastered all across the main level windows are signs stating that the Aqua has been “Voted the best skyscraper in the world.” And it doesn’t just say it once, it says it multiple times. We get it already. Why not let us “ooh” and “aah” and construct our own opinions on the subject? We’ll probably end up coming to the same conclusion, but it’s simply unnecessary to pummel us with the fact.

                Standing next to this spectacular structure, you might find yourself feeling a bit “blown away”. And it’s not just due to the fact that you’re in one of the windiest cities in the country, either. The designers of the Aqua set out to create something different, beautiful, and inspiring, and they more than accomplished their goal. So next time you’re wandering around Chicago, be sure to stop by North Columbus Street. Your neck will definitely start to ache from craning upward to stare at this massive skyscraper, but frankly, you won’t mind.