This skyscraper is the largest one designed by a firm headed by a woman, Jeanne Gang who founded Studio Gang Architects. It was one of several buildings that were open for tours/viewing as part of Chicago Architectural Association's Open House. It has all kinds of sustainable features -- from the balconies that form its really distinctive wave patterns to greenery, rainwater collection, & energy efficient lighting. And it is one amazing structure! We were able to see a suite on the 14th floor in the hotel section and go out on its balcony to photograph Chicago scenes. With over 400 photos taken as part of the open house this weekend, I think I'll be posting samples throughout the next few weeks.
Another shot from today - the stained glass windows in the University Club Cathedral Hall is in my extras album: http://365project.org/taffy/the-also-ran-ph/2013-10-20
Fabulous shot Taffy! The detail colours and pov just wonderful! Sounds like a great tour - looking forward to seeing more Chicago wonders! Fav of course!
Wow stunning - and what an opportunity. I love that sky framing the fabulous building. We have an open weekend in London, I must remember to go next year - it's in September.
@lisabell Thanks so much Lisabell! I only learned about the open house this year -- it's in its third year and is sponsored by the Chicago Architectural Foundation. Here's the link to this year's events: http://www.openhousechicago.org/ They have docents at each site, and times that you can go in. Some are open buildings but we were able to see floors not available otherwise (like the architect, Helmut Jahn's office) or venues opened for the event (a vault at the Chicago Board of Trade that had not been open for 83 years). Some had balconies that we could go on to take views of the city. Others were sites like theaters where you could go back stage (Lyric Opera). It was a photographer's paradise! But it meant hours of walking!
Thanks so much for viewing and commenting. This building is really amazing -- I wish I could afford to live there!