[EarlyBuyer]

Set #2
Photo's taken by EarlyBuyer 2/23/08

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/3044/dscn9525ld3.jpg


http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/4231/dscn9535sy4.jpg


http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/7742/dscn9548yr4.jpg


http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/8711/dscn9566lw6.jpg


http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/9272/dscn9576eh1.jpg

[EarlyBuyer]

Set #3
Photo's taken by EarlyBuyer 2/23/08

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/1705/dscn9597lx3.jpg


http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/5089/dscn9605km5.jpg


http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/5011/dscn9615rc4.jpg


http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/545/dscn9621yj6.jpg


http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/6282/dscn9625ra2.jpg

[Okstate]

I don't frequently look at Chicago updates, but i stayed at the Swissotel a couple years ago and man alive this area has grown. Not sure if someone has already done this but on the top floor of the hotel is an fitness center with amazing views towards this construction.

[EarlyBuyer]

Set #4
Photo's taken by EarlyBuyer 2/23/08

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/7691/dscn9630fm4.jpg


http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/2140/dscn9633iq3.jpg


http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/6339/dscn9634kn6.jpg


http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/1412/dscn9638qa4.jpg


http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8716/dscn9646of5.jpg

[APPRAISER]

Great shots EarlyBuyer!!
You give us all a front row seat for this building!!!
At the pace that they are going, this thing should be pretty tall by the end of this year.

[harryc]

http://lh5.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R8DXsykRC5I/AAAAAAAAbEo/sSUE9W6Xx8w/P1230560.JPG?imgmax=800

http://lh5.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R8DXuykRC6I/AAAAAAAAbFk/SdkGT9ipBHg/P1230563.JPG?imgmax=720

http://lh5.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R8DXwykRC7I/AAAAAAAAbFA/gL535G4_xR8/P1230636.JPG?imgmax=800

[treras93]

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/1705/dscn9597lx3.jpg

have they started painting the balconies or is it just the lighting

[EarlyBuyer]

have they started painting the balconies or is it just the lighting

It was the lighting, a bright sunny day here in Chicago.

[Alliance]

I hate to say it, but this is one building where I think the white on the concrete might benefit it. It will draw more of a contrast between the concrete and the glass.

[Jobohimself]

God, the filthy things I'd do to see something like this pop up in San Diego...

I am somewhat envious.

[Knightwing]

Just out of curiosity, based upon your chart posted in Trump, Alliance where would you rate this so far?

[BVictor1]

02/22/08
https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/595966.jpg

02/23/08
https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/595967.jpg

[Muskavon]

This will probably be rejected by everyone else...but I actually think the vertical columns (painted white) being exposed slightly outside the glass would look good. Maybe only at this short stature would I say that.

[Chicago Shawn]

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596042.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596039.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596045.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596049.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596051.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596055.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596058.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596060.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596064.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596066.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596068.jpg

Post tensioning cables:
https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596069.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596070.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596071.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596073.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596074.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596075.jpg

Pole shore forest:
https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596078.jpg

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/596083.jpg

[wrab]

I predict that Aqua will soon be one of Chicago's most-photographed buildings. It's just irresistible. 24 Feb:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/224-15.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/wjcordier/chipan24feb08-1b.jpg

[witchypoo]

I predict that Aqua will soon be one of Chicago's most-photographed buildings. It's just irresistible. 24 Feb:



True.
And I predict there will be many copy-cat architects making various versions of this building elsewhere, like the spiral design has been copied over and over and over and over....... :haha: :haha:

[EarlyBuyer]

I predict that Aqua will soon be one of Chicago's most-photographed buildings. It's just irresistible. 24 Feb:

:iagree:

I'd bet it's currently the most photographed building u/c in Chicago

[EarlyBuyer]

So much progress in so little time

Photo's taken by EarlyBuyer

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/6896/dscn7738ke7.jpg


http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/6171/dscn7748so2.jpg


http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/545/dscn7705vd7.jpg


http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/5374/dscn7880dp3.jpg


http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8326/dscn9462ti3.jpg

[Tom Servo]

too early to tell for sure but...
in this range:
10 - Iconic
9 - Excellent
8 - Strong
7 - Good
6 - OK
5 - Average
4 - Iffy
3 - Bad
2 - Crap
1 - Horrendous
0 - Abomination

[Nowhereman1280]

^^^
Wow, I actually completely agree with Adrian for a change! Put 'er there buddy! :tup:


Anyhow, I was just going to make the comment that this thread has suddenly become possibly the most active thread by photo count on the entire SSP community. This build is just getting slicker with every floor added!

[Surrealplaces]

Excellent photo update. This building is looking like it'll pretty amazing. Can't wait to see more :tup:

[pasadenabinks]

I just noticed while looking at the rendering on page 1 that the balconies become deeper and more scalloped as the tower gets taller. What we're seeing now are mini-balconies, and they already look amazing. Imagine what this will look like near the top!!!

[GuitarAce]

Are the railings going to be done in stainless? That'd add some sparkle on sunny days.

[Tom Servo]

Are the railings going to be done in stainless? That'd add some sparkle on sunny days.

no. they'll be black. they'll match the mullions.

[Tom Servo]

:previous: about the balconies:
http://www.studiogang.net/site/images/projects/c1_5.jpg
*gang

there aren't enough synonyms for the word integration that could even begin to descibe the levels of flawlessness in the transition between apartment and balcony.

[Tom Servo]

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qAeEXKrwXNo&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qAeEXKrwXNo&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>


<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bjE7-wQMXuo&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bjE7-wQMXuo&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>


my question would be: 'can i have your phone number' :cool:


these are old, but i didn't see them posted, so... :tup:

[johnandahalf]

:previous: about the balconies:
http://www.studiogang.net/site/images/projects/c1_5.jpg
*gang

Is that a ghost hovering outside the railing?

ô¿ô

[cbotnyse]

:iagree:

I'd bet it's currently the most photographed building u/c in ChicagoI'd say that goes to the Spire right now. Its tough to compete with harry, but you are close. :tup: This gem is too hidden. As it becomes more noticable from Mil Park, more and more tourists will wander by and check it out.

On another note, I called Lakeshore east today because my gf is in the market for a condo. There is a studio offered for $319K(~550 sq ft) Thats a tad out of her range, especially for a studio, but I'd love to call this icon home.

[BVictor1]

Is that a ghost hovering outside the railing?

ô¿ô

No, a jumper

[Dalton]

I can't wait for the weather to clear a little so I can head downtown to see and photograph Aqua. After the Spire, this is going to be my favorite of the new construction. It's something truly unique for Chicago - at least until someone else copies it. I could see something like this fitting in well in Miami.

[Aqua Plumber]

hey speaking of jumpers.....someone jumped from the 22nd floor of the fairmont early sat morning onto columbus. the crazy thing is later that morning at around 10 or 11 some guy walking down the street had a heart attack and died in almost the same spot

[Northwest]

hey speaking of jumpers.....someone jumped from the 22nd floor of the fairmont early sat morning onto columbus. the crazy thing is later that morning at around 10 or 11 some guy walking down the street had a heart attack and died in almost the same spot

OMG, really? Why are suicide jumpers attracted to great architechure? Is it THAT inspiring?

[cbotnyse]

hey speaking of jumpers.....someone jumped from the 22nd floor of the fairmont early sat morning onto columbus. the crazy thing is later that morning at around 10 or 11 some guy walking down the street had a heart attack and died in almost the same spot:omg:

[dagobert]

hey speaking of jumpers.....someone jumped from the 22nd floor of the fairmont early sat morning onto columbus. the crazy thing is later that morning at around 10 or 11 some guy walking down the street had a heart attack and died in almost the same spot

Don't want to get further OT and risk the wrath of Steely Dan, but here is what Chicago Tribune wrote about it.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-hed_tilley_26feb26,0,4617545.story
Paul L. Tilley, 40, managing director of creative at advertising agency DDB, died Friday, Feb. 22. The Wilmette resident apparently jumped from the upper floors of the Fairmont Chicago Hotel early Friday evening, and his death was ruled a suicide by the Cook County medical examiner's office.

[simcityaustin]

Ok, random, but next time you watch Family Guy and they do a shot of the house and small RI skyline, the one building reminds me of Aqua everytime!!!

[laro3]

they have started painting the balconies on the west and south side,it looks good.

[Chitown]

they have started painting the balconies on the west and south side,it looks good.
Hehe, it hits 28 degrees, and they're out there getting it done.

[asheesh88]

I wonder what kind of paint they are using.....Do you guys think it would be like an epoxy or something?

I wonder how often it would need repainting...every 10 years maybe?

Asheesh

[JV_325i]

Today:

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/1839/copyofdsc03070xm7.jpg

[harryc]

http://lh5.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R8bx8SkRFNI/AAAAAAAAb3g/l2xGItm707A/P1240126.JPG?imgmax=800

http://lh4.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R8bx9CkRFOI/AAAAAAAAb3s/j41R8bKimDc/P1240211.JPG?imgmax=800

http://lh3.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R8bx9ykRFQI/AAAAAAAAb4E/__8Ef_2_CcE/P1240273.JPG?imgmax=512 http://lh5.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R8bx9SkRFPI/AAAAAAAAb34/3bA-MhaKgpQ/P1240213.JPG?imgmax=512

[Tom Servo]

new pics from GANG'S website:
http://www.studiogang.net/site/images/projects/c1_1.jpg
http://www.studiogang.net/site/images/projects/c1_2.jpg
http://www.studiogang.net/site/images/projects/c1_4.jpg
http://www.studiogang.net/site/images/projects/c1_8.jpg
http://www.studiogang.net/site/images/projects/c1_10.jpg

[haurb]

Hello everyone, just took these this week and thought I'd share 'em. The building's looking good
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n228/haurb900/aqua_from_river2.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n228/haurb900/aqua_and_aon2.jpg

[VA_Gentleman]

^Great photos. Those photos on GANG's website posted by AdrianXSands show a wide gap 2/3 of the way up. Is this a new addition, I didn't see it in any of the old renderings?

[Alliance]

Its always been there. I think its excellent.

[Dalton]

Its always been there. I think its excellent.

I agree. The two floors without balconies serve to accentuate the wave effect. And I don't know if the golden ratio is in play here, but the proportions created by the break are very pleasing to my eye.

[Saber925]

^That section is a transfer floor. The unit layouts change above the break from 14 units per floor to 9. If I remember correctly there are concrete walls on the north and south sides (behind the glass) for added strength/rigidity.

[Patrick]

Holy Hell! I had no idea it was even above ground yet! Looks great! :yes:

[wrab]

new pics from GANG'S website:

http://www.studiogang.net/site/images/projects/c1_8.jpg

Okay - this floor level view looks amazing. Wow. The balconies are gonna blow everyone away.

[Dalton]

^That section is a transfer floor. The unit layouts change above the break from 14 units per floor to 9. If I remember correctly there are concrete walls on the north and south sides (behind the glass) for added strength/rigidity.

I'm under no illusion that the lack of balconies on those floors is primarily for functional and cost-savings reasons. I still think it looks good and probably better than two floors of unused "faux" balconies would.

[StatenIslander237]

http://www.studiogang.net/site/images/projects/c1_2.jpg


This is absolutely GRIPPING. This is what I really wanna see when this building is complete. :banana:

[ethereal_reality]

Arguably the most beautiful skyscraper being built in world.
Truly AWE INPSIRING !

[aaron38]

That shot from the balcony is really trippy, the way those thin balconies swoop out. They almost look too thin to be real, like something out of the Jetsons.

It's almost a shame they have to add railings, cause it'll really break up the form of these thin plates jutting out into space.

[chex]

just amazing, this building is going to look awesome...
that black and white pic is very nice!

[brian_b]

I love those photos!

[Dalton]

That shot from the balcony is really trippy, the way those thin balconies swoop out. They almost look too thin to be real, like something out of the Jetsons.

It's almost a shame they have to add railings, cause it'll really break up the form of these thin plates jutting out into space.

I think they should just paint a yellow line along the edge and post a stern warning inside each residence. :haha:

[F1 Tommy]

This is going to look great.I think some people thought that the waves
were more 3D due to the poor renders Gang had of the building early on.
Maybe Batman can live here in his next bat movie!

[photoLith]

I love how the people on here are so quick to judge a building when its not even barely 1/6 completed. About a week ago, people were all, this thing is going to look just ok or even crappy, but now people are saying that this is going to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Chicago. haha

[Steely Dan]

^ if you go back to the start of this thread you'll see that i have, from the very beginning, confidently maintained that Aqua will be the best skyscraper built in chicago in 3 decades; there is simply too much genius in this design for it to be anything but.

[ardecila]

Yes, it's good... very good.

I look forward to seeing this gorgeous beauty gracing the cover of Architectural Record sometime in 2009/2010.

[the urban politician]

^ if you go back to the start of this thread you'll see that i have, from the very beginning, confidently maintained that Aqua will be the best skyscraper built in chicago in 3 decades; there is simply too much genius in this design for it to be anything but.

^ Better than the Spire?

[Dalton]

The Spire promises to be better than Aqua in most regards even ignoring the major differences in height and luxury. Just as one example, let's not ignore that Aqua's tower is sitting on a butt-ugly parking/retail podium. The Spire's parking is completely underground.

Setting and surroundings come into play for me when I consider which skyscrapers will be better. Trump has a more prominent location and will be seen by almost everyone visiting the city while Aqua will be a somewhat hidden treasure and may be burried even further as LSE is developed.

So I'm going to rate Aqua as #3 right now. At the very least, despite the location, I'd rather live in Aqua with those balconies than in Trump's hermetically-sealed "masterpiece". The Spire, though, is simply in a different league - perhaps the best residential skyscraper under construction in the world much less Chicago.

[samoen313]

the spire is going to be good, but the twisting has become a gimmick, particularly for calatrava. it will be pretty stunning, but what aqua has is a totally unique take on incremental floor plate changes.

but what in my view is the most important thing about it is studio gang actually employed a theoretical approach to design. this is so rare in the united states. once they had established criteria for the building (the slab-like shape to accommodate simple floor layouts and structural/mechanical systems, a nod to the mies-ian slab buildings that grew out of chicago) and then played around with various concepts that might inform the more specific shape of the building.

once they found a thread which they could run with, namely various views around the city, wind and sound patterns, etc. they used the data to produce a form and they came up with something really attractive and marketable. while the slab template was a static, rigid criteria, the waving patterns were a result of an investigative process. nothing about it was arbitrary. and in an ideal world, that is how all architecture would be.

the vast majority of architects design by sketching/massing/detailing, often times with attractive results. calatrava works with watercolors he then engineers something acrobatic and, with the spire as with most of his other buildings, produces something pleasing. gehry is the same. yet so are adrian smith, dave childs, and every other mega-firm dominating various cities around the states. it all comes down simply to personal aesthetic choices.

but to experiment with different modes of design? to think beyond traditional forms or reinterpret their potential? to use real data and non-architectural information and allow it to mold the building rather than personal ideals? that is where architectural theory has been roaming for years but has hardly been in practice since the end of modernism. i'll truncate this rant a bit, but what i think sets this apart is that it is totally unique.

many other cities now have twisting towers, even if they aren't to the scale of the spire, but thus far aqua is in its own category aesthetically and idealogically. it is both stunning and clever. i sincerely hope this goes a long ways toward repairing the damage postmodernism did to architecture.

[Alliance]

Well, similarly, the Idea of Aqua has been around for a while, at least with the undulating balconies. Aqua has some new elements and it certainly perfects the model, but similarly to the Spire, a lot of it is scale.

[honte]

they used the data to produce a form and they came up with something really attractive and marketable. while the slab template was a static, rigid criteria, the waving patterns were a result of an investigative process. nothing about it was arbitrary.

I like what you said, but the above statement seems to be a bit of a stretch. I find it hard to believe that this design - or any design, for that matter - doesn't include a heavy dose of the arbitrary. In fact, I think Aqua probably has a lot more of this than the designers admit.

Also, I wouldn't go so far as to say there is no concept in what Adrian Smith or the other big designers do. It may not be this pronounced, but I think many buildings being attempted today have similar methodology.

[Alliance]

In some ways, but its also the way that architects blend old ideas that makes them new. I personall haven't seen a building that blended the wavy balconies with a Meisian box. I also haven't see one where the balconies were recessed into the building. Also, Alot of the wavy balcony buildings use concrete to form the railings as well, Aqua is more delicat in this regard, with the visually lighter iron railings.

[samoen313]

I like what you said, but the above statement seems to be a bit of a stretch. I find it hard to believe that this design - or any design, for that matter - doesn't include a heavy dose of the arbitrary. In fact, I think Aqua probably has a lot more of this than the designers admit.

Also, I wouldn't go so far as to say there is no concept in what Adrian Smith or the other big designers do. It may not be this pronounced, but I think many buildings being attempted today have similar methodology.

you're right in many regards. what they chose as the data they wished to implement and how they accumulated it and plugged it in is, more or less an arbitrary gesture. there were, i'm sure, twenty different roads they could have gone on. they chose this way because they pre-figured this method would provide enough opportunities and variables to work with. and in some senses, the information that produced the wave effect doesn't actually translate to those passing by.

once they had done their research and experimentation, they simply let the data do the work, so to speak, and the resultant building is a naturally (<-i'm using that term loosely) generated form. no one sat down with it and said "i wish this wave was a little larger and that there was a wave here instead of there to better harmonize the building blah blah blah." so you're right, architecture is as arbitrary as anything else, but the way this building was produced was more of a scientific process of hypothesis and experimentation.

i think you're also right that adrian smith (though notably NOT dave childs) implements some strain of theory in his buildings. with trump, he used the surrounding wrigley, tribune, and ibm (is there one more i'm forgetting?) landmark buildings to inform the setbacks of the building. it's a way to utilize existing conditions and generate a building in some way. but that sort of thinking has been around for a very long time.

jeanne gang used methods that are an evolution of what peter eisenmann began doing in the 90's which has now sprouted into a whole field of possibilities with which to use architecture as a medium of research and exploration as well as in practical applications.

[BVictor1]

03/01/07

https://community.emporis.com/images/6/2008/03/597301.jpg

[honte]

^ Weber had better make some wavy grilles pronto, or they are going to screw the whole thing up.

[photoLith]

How do they make the cement wavy like that? IE do they prefab it before they put it on the building, or do they sculpt it while laying the cement?

[i_am_hydrogen]

Mesmerizing shot, BVictor.

[The Dirt]

How do they make the cement wavy like that? IE do they prefab it before they put it on the building, or do they sculpt it while laying the cement?

It looks like it's prefabbed. You can see the seams of the concrete slabs. There are the standard rectangular pieces seamed together, and you can also see the small wavy pieces seamed to the rectangular slabs. Could you imagine getting the pieces mixed up?

[StatenIslander237]

Could you imagine getting the pieces mixed up?

Sounds like a great puzzle to put together with Grandma on a rainy afternoon. ;)

[harryc]

How do they make the cement wavy like that? IE do they prefab it before they put it on the building, or do they sculpt it while laying the cement?

The forms are changeable and made wavy on each floor, there are some great shots of this a few months back..

From early buyer - Post 2022 (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=3200068&postcount=2022)

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/3057/dscn8665td9.jpg

[aaron38]

The balconies are all poured in place. As you can see in EarlyBuyer's photo, the rebar in the balconies extends back deep into the building. This is what holds the balconies up.
If they were precast sections, there'd be no way to tie them into the rest of the building as a solid unit.

[Alliance]

...and they have a way to tie the movable forms into a GPS system to get the exact layout of each floor.

[honte]

The balconies are all poured in place. As you can see in EarlyBuyer's photo, the rebar in the balconies extends back deep into the building. This is what holds the balconies up.
If they were precast sections, there'd be no way to tie them into the rest of the building as a solid unit.

I wouldn't say it would be impossible.... but so unworkable and problematic (and expensive), I don't think anyone would consider doing it here.

[Brian.]

If they were precast sections, there'd be no way to tie them into the rest of the building as a solid unit.

Not true. There are many ways to achieve a solid unit with precast. You could actually cantilever a prestressed piece of concrete out further then a poured in place that is reinforced with only rebar. FYI

[EarlyBuyer]

Lakeshore East Winter Newsletter:

http://www.lakeshoreeast.com/media/LSE_Currents_Newsletter_Winter08.pdf

[andydie]

Hiya guys,

after nearly a month here comes my latest update for the awesome Aqua:

http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=97nI2zsLTD0

Enjoy:

Music: Lützenkirchen - 3 Tage wach (3 days awake)

[aaron38]

Not true. There are many ways to achieve a solid unit with precast. You could actually cantilever a prestressed piece of concrete out further then a poured in place that is reinforced with only rebar. FYI

Well yeah, I've seen that done with 5-9 story suburban condo buildings, where massive precast slabs are brought in, and maybe 10% hangs over the edge to form a balcony.
But in those buildings, the precast slabs form the entire floor area, whereas Aqua has the floor poured in place so that the floor meshes with the rebar in the columns to form the single structural unit.

How would precast slabs tie into the columns? Would that work for an 80 story building?

[Brian.]

Well yeah, I've seen that done with 5-9 story suburban condo buildings, where massive precast slabs are brought in, and maybe 10% hangs over the edge to form a balcony.
But in those buildings, the precast slabs form the entire floor area, whereas Aqua has the floor poured in place so that the floor meshes with the rebar in the columns to form the single structural unit.

How would precast slabs tie into the columns? Would that work for an 80 story building?

It generally works the same. Think of precast as stay in place formwork. You typically still have a topping pour of about 4" thick which would tie into the columns as you mentioned.

[Castillonis]

Have you ever seen someone pour concrete for a sidewalk that has curves?
They use a piece of wood that is flexible and stake it at various points to get the desired curve. Then they pour the concrete.

Think of it as drawing a circle inside of a rectangle.

So,
1. Assemble rectangular forms for the floor plate
2. Place a flexible material to define the curve within the rectangular form
3. Tie the rebar
4. pour / pump the concrete onto the form.

[EarlyBuyer]

Thanks andydie for your work on another great update!

[andydie]

Thanks andydie for your work on an other great update!

thanx EarlyBuyer, its always nice to hear that from you :) Hope you didnt mind the german music, hehe.

[Nowhereman1280]

Have you ever seen someone pour concrete for a sidewalk that has curves?
They use a piece of wood that is flexible and stake it at various points to get the desired curve. Then they pour the concrete.

Think of it as drawing a circle inside of a rectangle.

So,
1. Assemble rectangular forms for the floor plate
2. Place a flexible material to define the curve within the rectangular form
3. Tie the rebar
4. pour / pump the concrete onto the form.

Yes, that is what is happening here, I don't think Aaron and Precaster are talking about what is actually happening, but how one could use Precast to cantilever in a situation such as this.

[EarlyBuyer]

3/3/08
Crain's Chicago Business

"Powerhouse New York developer Related Cos. is in advanced negotiations to acquire a stake in Chicago residential high-rise developer Magellan Development Group LLC, which would take over Related's faltering Chicago office.

Talks to combine two of the Chicago area's largest developers come at a critical time for Related Midwest LLC. The luxury condominium developer is struggling with a slow sales start at its two newest projects and has been without a president..."

The full article:

http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?articleId=29353

[Dr. Taco]

hey, aqua, how you doin man?

[ethereal_reality]

This would be your view from AQUA ; if it had been built in the 1960s.
You can see elevated Randolph Street and the Prudential Building on the right.

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/3521/lse1968sq2.jpg

[ethereal_reality]

^^^I didn't realize the photo was so big. SORRY!

[cbotnyse]

wow what a view and wow has it has changed. you should make your own thread of other photos you may have that dont relate to a particular building.

There is a section titled "found city photos"...I think they would be the best place. Just click on the new thread button in the upper left.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/forumdisplay.php?f=23

[left of center]

If you guys look down to the corner of Michigan and Randolph in that pic, you can see old Central Station, right in front of that old hospital building on Indiana which still stands today. Central Station is unfortunatly long gone.

[F1 Tommy]

Wow,that is an amazing shot.Taking out and covering the tracks has really
made alot possible.By looking at this picture it tells you that any parcel
of land can be developed dowtown no matter what it is now.Aqua will have a great veiw.

[i_am_hydrogen]

3/6/08:
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/447/aqua36ru6.jpg

[EarlyBuyer]

Great picture i_am_hydrogen!

The shot exemplifies the optical illusion of “glass curvature”

[honte]

^ You are absolutely right. I wondered what was going on with all those different sizes of glass. Perhaps this wasn't what they were after, but the different sizes certainly contribute to that effect.

If that was the reason, I have to say it was rather ingenious.

[SkokieSwift]

This building will be beautiful. Finally, an LSE building that lives up to its water-themed name!

Anyone know why they skipped a floor while installing the glass?

[harryc]

http://lh3.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R9FG4eYI2rI/AAAAAAAAcyY/9zb1IF2Sn6o/P1250668.JPG?imgmax=640

http://lh6.google.com/harry.r.carmichael/R9FG5OYI2sI/AAAAAAAAcyo/6nzITJ-q76c/P1250671.JPG?imgmax=640

[aaron38]

^ You are absolutely right. I wondered what was going on with all those different sizes of glass. Perhaps this wasn't what they were after, but the different sizes certainly contribute to that effect.

Yes, and the shadows as well. When you look at it head on as in Hydrogen's shot, the curve of the balcony isn't very apparent, but the balconies cast large shadows on the glass, and that makes the glass look as if it's receeding back into the building.
In a bright summer sun, the effect may be quite striking.

[Alliance]

Also, as the building gets taller, the perspective will mandate that the balconies become more apparent. Eventually it'll look mostly concrete. Thats when this one will really swing for the fences.

[Steely Dan]

this project is so freaking ridiculously awesome. hydrogen, your pic showing the curved glass illusion is outstanding, that's an aspect of this design that i hadn't really fully wrapped my head around until you posted that pic. pure, raw, 100% unadulterated genius!