[seadragon]

Beautiful building, the first impression being that of a non conservative and adventurous structural design, one which assigns an apparent high level of trust to computer (FEA) modeling and material homogeneity.

Out of curiosity, does anyone here on this forum know what are the minimum lateral “g” forces that a building such as this one being proposed is required by the Chicago city codes to be able to withstand?

However academic, wondering if anyone in Chicago, current or past has worked towards establishing a minimum life cycle expectancy requirement for skyscrapers, without collapsing from structural failure brought on by simple material fatigue or known fault movement potentials, e.g. buildings greater than 150 meters in height are to remain structurally sound, given minimal structural improvements and or reconditioning for a period greater than 100 years for a hypothetical class “C” rated structure, 200 years for a class “B” rating and minimum 400 years for a hypothetical class “A” rated structure, for which, during each 200 year cycle, capable of withstanding a New Madras earthquake (displacement) event, much like that which is reported to have taken place in the year 1811.

As an additional point of interest, wonder how effective a mass dampener would be that was designed to function along the minor axis of the building.

From the perspective of an occupant or visitor, would like to have seen a recessed glass (transparent) curtain wall incorporated into the east side of the building's base much like that seen on the west side, or different. This enclosed space providing an expansive view from the lobby floor to view the city from a unique perspective, people enjoying the wider than typical dividing gap between north-south aligned buildings produced by the river, resulting in a four season space. For possible consideration, the increased canyoning of the river along the west bank, further elevating the average local wind velocity along the exposed east facing portion of this proposed structure.

In addition, the current design as rendered, setting aside a solar induced, spirit (mood) lifting therapeutic opportunity for people as they get to observe the very limited morning Sun, receiving photo stimulation during the short day light hours of the frequently overcast late fall to early spring seasons, or on frigid windy days. Should such large glass like curtain wall on the east facing portion of the building exist, I would venture to guest, myself enjoying similar opportunities, that even the view of large heavy snow flakes falling upon the Chicago River would more than likely be an embraced winter scene by the building occupants at ground level.

Should an asymmetric, pseudo Feng Shui appearance be desired, still very possible to retain in the final exterior appearance of the building, yet tastefully preserve the very lean and upright, tip balanced chisel impression of the build while increasing the human function and welcoming sense of the east floor area a four season space would offer.

Most agreeing that people by nature and innate curiosity gravitating to a drop off cliff like terrain or structure morphology that leads to an expansive view (minus the girder bridge), regardless if such location is natural or artificially produced.