SEATTLE | Two Union Square | 740 FT / 225 M | 56 FLOORS | 1989
Two Union Square is probably my favorite individual skyscraper on the Seattle skyline. Alot less fussy than either the AT&T or WaMu towers of the same era, it helped soften and really enhance the formerly sedate and boxy Seattle downtown skyline.
2U2 was designed by Seattle's own NBBJ (whom also designed the 609ft First National Bank Building on 4th Avenue some 30 years earlier).
It was built as a companion tower to the 36 story aluminum clad One Union Square.
The building is fairly unique in that each facade has its own form, but each fits within the building's overall architectural vocabulary. The curvilinear east glassy facade seems like it cantilevers over I-5. The north, south and east facades are given projected horizontal white spandrels, but each with a slightly different plan edge. At the upper portion of those facades, the glass box breaks free to a flat parapet. The building is capped by a stark white sculptural form meant to evoke ships on the water. Finally there is a 90ft flagpole also adorning the roof over a cantilevered 3 story glass element.
The crispy white spandrels and cap, along with the light blue reflective glass really reflect the natural Seattle environment and is alot less harsh than the dark brooding modernist towers in the 60s through the 80s.
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