Comments on: Spiraling Calatrava Chicago Tower to be World’s 2nd tallest http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/ Green design & eco innovation for a better world Fri, 17 May 2013 18:49:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc By: grayslayer http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/comment-page-1/#comment-96264 grayslayer Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:56:31 +0000 http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/11/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/#comment-96264 While I enjoy the concept and idea of a building that biomimicks the natural growth of a shell, I can't help but think this building looks like a giant joint. I think the Windy City can look forward to a host of nicknames this building will receive like, The Blunt Building, The Toke Tower, or maybe even The Rolled Gold Building... you can see where this is going. While I enjoy the concept and idea of a building that biomimicks the natural growth of a shell, I can’t help but think this building looks like a giant joint. I think the Windy City can look forward to a host of nicknames this building will receive like, The Blunt Building, The Toke Tower, or maybe even The Rolled Gold Building… you can see where this is going.

]]> By: librlman http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/comment-page-1/#comment-85173 librlman Sun, 15 Jun 2008 05:22:08 +0000 http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/11/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/#comment-85173 My first thought at seeing this building design is that it seems eminently appropriate to build a spiraling skyscraper in Chicago, given that it is known as the \"windy city,\" and given that the trees that best weathered the strong winds of hurricane Katrina (and every other hurricane along the gulf coast) have a spiral growth pattern. I am neither an architect nor an engineer, but I suspect that the spiraled support columns lend structural stability against powerful gusts much the same as said trees. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the gold LEED rating though. I would have preferred to see some wind turbines and solar panels to green it up a bit more (help power the elevators and other systems), but at least it\'s good to see them use geothermal power. My first thought at seeing this building design is that it seems eminently appropriate to build a spiraling skyscraper in Chicago, given that it is known as the \”windy city,\” and given that the trees that best weathered the strong winds of hurricane Katrina (and every other hurricane along the gulf coast) have a spiral growth pattern. I am neither an architect nor an engineer, but I suspect that the spiraled support columns lend structural stability against powerful gusts much the same as said trees. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the gold LEED rating though. I would have preferred to see some wind turbines and solar panels to green it up a bit more (help power the elevators and other systems), but at least it\’s good to see them use geothermal power.

]]> By: jdiewald http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/comment-page-1/#comment-85099 jdiewald Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:19:31 +0000 http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/11/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/#comment-85099 Oh.... and i forgot... a true sign of a weak design or designer: a blind attempt to lay claim to the 'Worlds Tallest'. Oh…. and i forgot… a true sign of a weak design or designer: a blind attempt to lay claim to the ‘Worlds Tallest’.

]]> By: jdiewald http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/comment-page-1/#comment-85098 jdiewald Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:17:12 +0000 http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/11/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/#comment-85098 Calatrava is and has always been about imposing his own egotism on urban and natural landscapes. His consistent one-liners (ie. this one is an eyeball, this one is a bird, and they move!) are architectural gimmicks at best. The only reason this project touts any green initiatives is 1: it has a massive budget that Calatrava and his team will no doubt exceed and 2: It is a demand of the market (and Mayor Daley). The latter is an important step towards progress. The former reveals the project as it is, fully anemic in any sort of innovation. The project does not advance the discourse, it simply replicates tested and conventional (high dollar) products and systems. We should all know better than to get swept up in the hype of false ingenuity of which Calatrava reigns supreme. Calatrava is and has always been about imposing his own egotism on urban and natural landscapes. His consistent one-liners (ie. this one is an eyeball, this one is a bird, and they move!) are architectural gimmicks at best. The only reason this project touts any green initiatives is 1: it has a massive budget that Calatrava and his team will no doubt exceed and 2: It is a demand of the market (and Mayor Daley). The latter is an important step towards progress. The former reveals the project as it is, fully anemic in any sort of innovation. The project does not advance the discourse, it simply replicates tested and conventional (high dollar) products and systems. We should all know better than to get swept up in the hype of false ingenuity of which Calatrava reigns supreme.

]]> By: Scott http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/comment-page-1/#comment-85086 Scott Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:42:16 +0000 http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/11/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/#comment-85086 I don't see how this is inspired by the nautilus. The nautilus shell is formed in a completely different way from this building for completely different purposes. I would also like to know what Calatrava means by this building was designed for individuals and not corporations, or his own architectural whim. What research went in to discovering what Chicago residents need? What are these solutions? I go to school in Chicago and pass by this site occasionally. What makes this a great solution isn't obvious and more explanation is needed, otherwise I have to assume that its not a great solution. Sorry. I don’t see how this is inspired by the nautilus. The nautilus shell is formed in a completely different way from this building for completely different purposes.

I would also like to know what Calatrava means by this building was designed for individuals and not corporations, or his own architectural whim. What research went in to discovering what Chicago residents need? What are these solutions? I go to school in Chicago and pass by this site occasionally. What makes this a great solution isn’t obvious and more explanation is needed, otherwise I have to assume that its not a great solution. Sorry.

]]> By: urbanwoodswalker http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/comment-page-1/#comment-85042 urbanwoodswalker Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:07:45 +0000 http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/11/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/#comment-85042 I lived in Chicago for 30 years. I would not want to live in this...even if I was a multimillionaire. It seems to ruin the skyline, and it certainly worries me about being a terrorist target. Its very very sci fi for Chicago...very Buck Rodgers. Its just something I am not ready for. Then again, I am a huge Helmut Jahn fan, and many hate his works. I lived in Chicago for 30 years. I would not want to live in this…even if I was a multimillionaire. It seems to ruin the skyline, and it certainly worries me about being a terrorist target. Its very very sci fi for Chicago…very Buck Rodgers.

Its just something I am not ready for. Then again, I am a huge Helmut Jahn fan, and many hate his works.

]]> By: energ8t http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/comment-page-1/#comment-85037 energ8t Thu, 12 Jun 2008 23:40:34 +0000 http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/11/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/#comment-85037 I agree with tuttles. It appears like it is using bio-mimicry, but exactly how is not stated enough. It will be nice to see it in more detail, bio-mimicry-wise, but I will say that it is good that there is some effort being put forth. Regarding the purpose of the design, I think a good designer can legitimize anything given the task. The fact that it needs to be the second tallest is questionable since it is obviously doing so for THAT reason and not out of need. One thing nature does is refrain from creating fictitious necessities- is that what we have here?. I'm sure the views it blocks will be sustainable though. I think that someone's bank account will grow based on the Fibonacci as well- haha. I can't help but imagine it boring out a piece of wood and raining saw dust all over Chicago - "green snow". I agree with tuttles. It appears like it is using bio-mimicry, but exactly how is not stated enough. It will be nice to see it in more detail, bio-mimicry-wise, but I will say that it is good that there is some effort being put forth. Regarding the purpose of the design, I think a good designer can legitimize anything given the task. The fact that it needs to be the second tallest is questionable since it is obviously doing so for THAT reason and not out of need. One thing nature does is refrain from creating fictitious necessities- is that what we have here?. I’m sure the views it blocks will be sustainable though. I think that someone’s bank account will grow based on the Fibonacci as well- haha. I can’t help but imagine it boring out a piece of wood and raining saw dust all over Chicago – “green snow”.

]]> By: energ8t http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/comment-page-1/#comment-85035 energ8t Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:42:29 +0000 http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/11/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/#comment-85035 I agree with tuttles. It appears like it is using bio-mimicry, but exactly how is not stated enough. It will be nice to see it in more detail, bio-mimicry-wise, but I will say that it is good that there is some effort being put forth. Regarding the purpose of the design, I think a good designer can legitimize anything given the task. The fact that it needs to be the second tallest is questionable since it is obviously doing so for THAT reason and not out of need. One thing nature does is refrain from creating fictitious necessities- is that what we have here?. I'm sure the views it blocks will be sustainable though. I think that someone's bank account will grow based on the Fibonacci as well- haha. I can't help but imagine it boring out a piece of wood and raining saw dust all over Chicago - "green" snow. I agree with tuttles. It appears like it is using bio-mimicry, but exactly how is not stated enough. It will be nice to see it in more detail, bio-mimicry-wise, but I will say that it is good that there is some effort being put forth. Regarding the purpose of the design, I think a good designer can legitimize anything given the task. The fact that it needs to be the second tallest is questionable since it is obviously doing so for THAT reason and not out of need. One thing nature does is refrain from creating fictitious necessities- is that what we have here?. I’m sure the views it blocks will be sustainable though. I think that someone’s bank account will grow based on the Fibonacci as well- haha. I can’t help but imagine it boring out a piece of wood and raining saw dust all over Chicago – “green” snow.

]]> By: cpine http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/comment-page-1/#comment-85029 cpine Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:57:23 +0000 http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/11/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/#comment-85029 biomorphic, as in, "Why does a dog lick its nether regions --- because it can!" Architects put egocentric stuff forward for public consumption because... biomorphic, as in, “Why does a dog lick its nether regions — because it can!” Architects put egocentric stuff forward for public consumption because…

]]> By: tuttles http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/comment-page-1/#comment-85020 tuttles Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:11:37 +0000 http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/11/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/#comment-85020 I would like to know more about how this is an example of biomimicry. Biomimicry incorporates natural processes and principles. Using the Fibonacci sequence does not make it an example of biomimicry. There needs to be a reason for using the Fibonacci sequence, to fit form and function together, as nature does. However, I can see how it would be biomorphic, looking like smoke spiralling or other things along the lines of human anatomy. I would like to know more about how this is an example of biomimicry. Biomimicry incorporates natural processes and principles. Using the Fibonacci sequence does not make it an example of biomimicry. There needs to be a reason for using the Fibonacci sequence, to fit form and function together, as nature does. However, I can see how it would be biomorphic, looking like smoke spiralling or other things along the lines of human anatomy.

]]> By: eriknbrooklyn http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/comment-page-1/#comment-84996 eriknbrooklyn Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:22:18 +0000 http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/11/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/#comment-84996 I have to say i'm pleased to find i'm not the only one who's not falling for calatrava's bullshit anymore. I can design a great cube on the earth and say it was derived from nature with as much justification as this garbage. Calling this "architecture" is a misnomer that poisons the perspective of the public. i think developers should be forbidden from even using the word. I have to say i’m pleased to find i’m not the only one who’s not falling for calatrava’s bullshit anymore. I can design a great cube on the earth and say it was derived from nature with as much justification as this garbage. Calling this “architecture” is a misnomer that poisons the perspective of the public. i think developers should be forbidden from even using the word.

]]> By: Neomae http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/comment-page-1/#comment-84994 Neomae Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:11:57 +0000 http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/11/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/#comment-84994 I think it's beautiful - reminds me of a unicorn's horn. I think it’s beautiful – reminds me of a unicorn’s horn.

]]> By: frankenbeans http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/comment-page-1/#comment-84986 frankenbeans Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:03:11 +0000 http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/11/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/#comment-84986 Geez, got phallus on the brain? Needing something asdf? At first glance I actually saw a baguette.. and I'm not even hungry. Geez, got phallus on the brain? Needing something asdf? At first glance I actually saw a baguette.. and I’m not even hungry.

]]> By: MN http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/comment-page-1/#comment-84920 MN Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:53:10 +0000 http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/11/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/#comment-84920 whatever happened to the democratic rational of good architecture? the purity, and simplicity of nature's inspiration? GREEN efforts are seizing the allure of glitz and glam, which trump the founding initiatives. whatever happened to the democratic rational of good architecture? the purity, and simplicity of nature’s inspiration? GREEN efforts are seizing the allure of glitz and glam, which trump the founding initiatives.

]]> By: zyde http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/comment-page-1/#comment-84913 zyde Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:33:18 +0000 http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/11/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/#comment-84913 spiral again? i like it and all, but everyone is making spiral now, The only thing different is that this is for resident, RICH residents. spiral again? i like it and all, but everyone is making spiral now, The only thing different is that this is for resident, RICH residents.

]]>