The Aqua

            Chicago is home to many classic skyscrapers.  The Aon Center at 200 E. Randolph was once the tallest building in Chicago.  Utilizing the tubular structure popularized during the mid to late 20^th century, it is hard to think of the city’s skyline without it.  With that said, it is also one of the city’s most banal skyscrapers.  Around the corner though, is one of the most interesting structures of recent memory.  The Aqua building at 225 N. Columbus Dr. is quickly becoming a Chicago staple.  Constructed in 2010, it resembles modernisme structures of Spain while remaining exciting and original. 

            The Aqua broke ground in 2007 after being designed by Jeanne Gang with her team at Studio Gang Architects.  Gang, who also designed Columbia College’s Media Production Center, was named a 2011 MacArthur Fellow for designing the Aqua.  In addition to being a beauty to look at, it is also LEED certified. 

            Gang’s building is most interesting to look at during the afternoon.  When the sun shines down the wavy balconies, one can see a collage of beautiful shadows.  If you stare up at it from the ground, you won’t move until the sun settles behind the horizon.  Every hour offers a new look to the building; it’s more like a hologram than it is a residence.  Obviously the building’s name comes from its aquatic appearance, but the shape has less to do with a body of water and more with its surroundings.  The wave-like balconies were built to create better vantage points for the many landmarks in the area, making it easier to view Millenium Park as well as the Willis Tower. 

            The Aqua has more resemblance with many modernisme buildings in Barcelona than it does with any buildings this side of the Atlantic.  If Gaudi decided to add a few stories to Casa Batllo it might look a little like Gang’s work.  The Aqua is one of the most artistic skyscrapers around.  It’s almost as if Mies van der Rohe designed the building but decided to place the floors in every direction possible.  The symmetry of the Chicago School has been traded for a more playful Art Nouveau look here, making it stand out much more in a city known for its architecture. 

            After the Chicago Fire, the city became known for its use of steel framing, building some of the first modern skyscrapers.  In the 1970’s, the tube based structure of the Willis Tower and John Hancock was introduced by Fazlur Khan, again changing the direction of the city’s look.  With Gang’s latest addition to the skyline, Chicago sees a new future in its architecture.  Whereas previous styles included flat surfaces and lots of clean edges, this “new school” is free flowing.  Buildings no longer seem to be made with the Jenga formula by stacking the pieces in a box and flipping it over to construct a tower.  Further examples of this are a stones throw away from the Aqua.  The Pritzker Pavilion in Millenium Park is another recent design that is very eye-catching.  Resembling a torn up piece of tin foil, it looks nothing like any other bandshell. 

            The Aqua’s design is so successful because of its lack of fear.  It seems that many today worry about trying not to stand out or make too much of a statement.  This is true even in the construction of many homes around the city.  Many look the same, sometimes seeing the same house 4 times in a single block.  Is it a matter of cost?  Or have people become so accustomed to one style?

Like the Millenium Park, the Aqua is a symbol of the cities future.  In the midst of political trials, a budget crisis, and failing sports teams, it reminds Chicagoans of what makes the city great: its individuality.  Many cities have memorable skylines, whether it’s New York City or Los Angeles.  But Chicago stands out for its bold face.  It may be small, but its few buildings stand out more than anything else in the world.  The Aqua is one of those structures.