Spiraling Calatrava Chicago Tower to be World’s 2nd tallest
Posted By Mike Chino On June 11, 2008 @ 10:15 am In Architecture,biomimicry | 15 Comments
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Chicago’s city skyline is about to be graced by a stunning new super-structure that will rise above its shore like a helical seashell. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava [5], the 2000 foot Chicago Spire [6] will be the world’s second tallest building upon its completion in 2011. The halcyon monolith is beautiful example of biomimicry [7], taking cues from the spiraling structure of the nautilus. It’s an iconic spire with a timeless form that will take strong future-forward steps with a projected LEED gold rating [8].
The Chicage Spire has been called the world’s most significant residential building, featuring 150 floors and 1,194 residences. The slender structure rotates [9] each floor an average of 2.44 degrees to total 360 degrees from top to bottom, guaranteeing that no two views are the same. Calatrava explains: “what distinguishes this building from any other tall building . . . is that this building is not done for a corporation, or a group of corporations, it is done for individual human beings”
“Inspired by nature, by the interaction of earth, water, and air,” the structure is replete with biomorphic elements [10]. Its helical form incorporates the golden mean and the Fibonacci sequence to closely mirror the spiraling growth of the nautilus shell. Calatrava states “the principles I follow are based on repetition. This reminds you of nature because nature often works in patterns [11].”
The sparkling super-structure incorporates a variety of sustainable elements, including a fluid facade shrouded in high performance glass [12] that has been designed to protect migratory birds. All landscaping is maintained via a rainwater recycling [13] system, and a geothermal system draws river water to cool the building. The entire interior is outfitted with an Intelligent Building & Energy Management System, and it bests energy efficiency [14] standards by 15 percent.
Lately we’ve seen Chicago bolstering its eminent architectural heritage with scores of stunning projects [15] and sustainable initiatives [16]; this latest project is sure to be a sustainable gem that will channel and exemplify the ardency of these efforts.
+ The Chicago Spire [6]
+ Santiago Calatrava [5]
Via Associated Construction Publications [17]
Article printed from Inhabitat – Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building: http://inhabitat.com
URL to article: http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/
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[3] Email: mailto:?subject=http://inhabitat.com/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/
[4] Image: http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/11/santiago-calatrava-chicago-spire/
[5] Santiago Calatrava: http://www.calatrava.com
[6] Chicago Spire: http://www.thechicagospire.com/
[7] example of biomimicry: http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/12/10/building-modelled-on-termites-eastgate-centre-in-zimbabwe/
[8] LEED gold rating: http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/03/31/grand-rapids-art-museum/
[9] structure rotates: http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/09/rotating-wind-powered-tower-to-begin-construction-in-dubai/
[10] biomorphic elements: http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/05/15/biowave-biomimicry-solution-for-ocean-power/
[11] nature often works in patterns: http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/04/16/helica-ceramics-by-anouk-omlo-blossoms-in-milan/
[12] high performance glass: http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/09/19/dusseldorfs-hi-tech-energy-efficient-gate/
[13] rainwater recycling: http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/05/22/kyouei-designs-umbrella-pot/
[14] energy efficiency: http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/04/29/david-and-joyce-dinkins-gardens/
[15] stunning projects: http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/03/27/smooth-operator-the-clean-technology-tower/
[16] sustainable initiatives: http://www.inhabitat.com/2006/08/01/chicago-green-roof-program/
[17] Associated Construction Publications: http://www.acppubs.com/article/CA6563565.html?industryid=48591
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