Chicago buildings. The first skyscrapers

This skyscraper in Chicago is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, and until 1997 it was the tallest building on our planet. Having held the palm for 25 years, it is famous for its observation deck located on the 103rd floor, and no traveler misses the opportunity to admire the US financial center from a bird's eye view.

City where skyscrapers first appeared

Included in the top ten tallest buildings, Willis Tower, which has become the hallmark of the city, gained fame in the 70s of the last century. An iconic architectural figure is highest point state of Illinois.

It is believed that it is in Chicago, in late XIX century when locality was badly damaged by fires, and the first skyscrapers arose. It was then that the urgent need to restore the city arose. And in 1882, a skyscraper built of steel and iron grew.

The history of the appearance of a local attraction

Sears, Roebuck & Co, which was thinking about accommodating several thousand employees who worked in scattered offices throughout the city, bought fifteen buildings from the previous owners in 1970 and acquired a plot of land with an area of ​​​​about five thousand square meters.

A well-known architectural firm was hired to develop the new project. She created a plan for the future skyscraper, called the Sears Tower. The corporation wanted the new building to be tall and allow sunlight to flow naturally into the offices, and the engineers designed the building in a completely new way based on the concept of volume distribution.

Construction, which cost $ 150 million, was carried out at an accelerated pace, and two years later the Willis Tower was put into operation. I must say that this is not the most impressive figure, although in terms of engineering solutions, the huge skyscraper was significantly ahead of its time.

Difficulties during the construction of a high-rise

During construction, lawsuits were filed against the company to stop all work at the 67th floor level. The plaintiffs considered that because of such a high building, the television signal in the vicinity of the city of Chicago would deteriorate, and this would not have the best effect on real estate prices. However, all claims were rejected in court, and now the signal of more than three dozen radio and television stations is broadcast from a skyscraper, on the roof of which modern antennas are installed.

After construction, the company that ordered the project went bankrupt. She even had to take out a loan to pay for the building, and soon she was forced to sell it. The new owner received the right to rename the skyscraper, and since 2009 the skyscraper has been named after one of the building's tenants.

Willis Tower: design features

The skyscraper that strikes the imagination is a structure consisting of nine square steel pipes. And each of them is a separate building, standing on concrete piles, which are driven into solid rock. The structure itself is based on self-contained columns that absorb all the loads arising from strong winds and guarantee fire resistance.

Nine giant pipes rise 50 floors up. After the building begins to narrow, seven columns go up to the 66th floor, five go up to the 90th, and the last 20 floors consist of only two. Architects attached great importance to the design of the building, tapering upwards and able to withstand the winds. And stability was achieved thanks to the hollow structures built into the columns.

An unusual project for that time

Simply put, the Willis Tower is a structure of nine skyscrapers of different lengths, combined into a single whole and supporting each other at a great height. This is a very unusual design for its time, and since then a system of steel pipes has been widely used in the construction of tall buildings, inside which there are comfortable and safe rooms.

It is known that the original project included the construction of six more columns, which were supposed to accommodate hotel rooms, but this did not happen.

Observation decks with transparent glasses - a new tourist attraction

The famous observation platforms Skydeck, located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (Chicago, USA), are located at an altitude of 412 meters. They appeared in 1974 and immediately became a popular place not only among tourists, but also among city dwellers. Eight years ago, after a major renovation, four retractable balconies were completed, each of which can accommodate up to five people. The floors are made of three-layer durable glass and can withstand weights up to five tons.

A high-speed elevator delivers tourists to the top, the cabin of which is more reminiscent of spaceship. Monitors are built into it, and on the screens everyone can see how the earth goes down.

Opening panoramas cause a real delight. On a clear day, through powerful binoculars, the area is viewed at a distance of up to 80 kilometers, and from here the lands of the four states of America are visible. During strong hurricanes, tourists feel the hard way oscillatory movements structures.

There is also an interactive museum, the exhibits of which allow you to go to virtual tour in the city of Chicago and its environs.

Cracks in the glass floor

Three years ago in funds mass media there was news that the glass floors had cracked right under the feet of visitors. However, for the tourists who found themselves at that moment on the observation deck, everything ended well: they got off with a slight fright. As representatives of the local administration soon reported, cracks appeared on a special coating that protects the floor from scratches. After it was replaced, the viewing platforms again received admiring guests.

Interesting facts about the architectural monument of our time

The area of ​​the Willis Tower is about 418 thousand m2. This area can accommodate 57 football pitches.

On the facade of the skyscraper, you can see black stripes, as if encircling the structure at different levels. However, these are not decorative elements, but blinds, thanks to which the equipment is ventilated.

104 high-speed elevators divide the space into three zones.

The skyscraper has over 16,000 windows.

The building is equipped with 40,000 special sprinklers used in the fire extinguishing system, which work automatically. Four million dollars were spent on their installation.

Due to its asymmetrical design, the Willis Tower is tilted ten centimeters to the west, placing additional stress on the foundation.

In August 1999, the French rock climber A. Robert, nicknamed "Spider-Man", conquered the local attraction without using special equipment.

The frame of the building, covered with refractory mortar, is lined with black aluminum.

Every year, a skyscraper in Chicago is visited by about one million tourists, who have many cozy cafes and restaurants.

Upcoming major renovation

This year, the mayor of the metropolis announced that work on the reconstruction of the structure will soon begin, which will be completed in twelve months. It is planned to equip a giant entertainment area with cinemas and fashion stores. The observation deck is also subject to reconstruction. "We want to increase the attractiveness of the skyscraper for visitors to the city, and we will do our best to make the local landmark an important part of our lives," said Rahm Emanuel.

This huge 250-meter giant from a distance does not stand out from the general Chicago “landscape”, but as soon as you get closer, it turns into a real waterfall, striking the imagination with the unreality of its design - it seems as if some kind of fabulous ice colossus has grown in the middle of the city

Skyscraper “Aqua”, built near Lake Michigan, despite its unrealistic, futuristic appearance, nevertheless does not stand out from the general panorama of Chicago. This effect is achieved due to the fact that all the unusual lines are hidden from a distance horizontally by the usual structure and become visible only when approaching the building - the greater the angle at which you look at the Aqua giant, the more “waves” become visible on its surface. When you stand right under it, it seems as if the skyscraper is literally “storming”)

250 meters high-rise divided into 81 floors. The “Aqua” building houses a hotel and ordinary living quarters. The facades of the skyscraper are decorated with real “lakes”, the role of water in which is played by windows, skillfully accentuated by hiding the rest of the windows with elongated uneven ledges of the facade.

Curved, wavy balconies and window panes give the façade the structure of a pleated curtain or rippling water. The windows have a blue-green tint, indistinguishable from the color of the water surface. The use of cantilever shields in the design of the building allows you to protect yourself from the summer sun, but not block the light in winter, and the light color of the facades reduces the level of heating of the skyscraper.

Based on the results of a recent prestigious European architectural competition"The Emporis Awards - 2010" Aqua skyscraper was recognized as the best skyscraper in 2009. Emporis experts awarded the architects of the Aqua project for their achievements in design and for their architectural boldness.

More precisely, 250 meters Aqua impressed the experts with “an original design solution combined with sustainable design”. The jury noted that this building should set a high standard for future generations in the field of large-scale hotel construction.

It should also be noted that in order to rank the most beautiful skyscrapers in the world, experts had to carefully study 305 skyscrapers from around the world, the construction of which was completed last year.

The head of Emporis, Daniel Kickhefer, described the building in his own way: “The building looks rather ordinary from afar, but when approached, unusual “liquid” outlines are revealed, from which passers-by take their breath away”

This competition, organized by the German property data bank Emporis, is held every year and the award is given to buildings that are at least 100 meters high and have already been completed. For example, the winner in 2008 was Tokyo's Cocoon Tower, 203 meters high. But she, in any case, does not go to any comparison with the elegant Aqua

Chicago is home to the museum of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his creations, as well as some of the tallest skyscrapers in the US and unique architecture.

An hour's drive from downtown Chicago, the glass house is the finest example of "international style" by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The house was built in the middle of the twentieth century. Inside - a single room, surrounded by a glass frame, towering on several piles. The feeling of visiting the territory of the house-museum and the house itself is indescribable. You should check the museum's opening hours on the website, as it is open seasonally.

When the building was completed, the building was the tallest skyscraper in the world outside of New York City. The skyscraper houses an observatory that offers a crazy view of 3 sides: the endless lake, the north side of Chicago and the south. If you're lucky with the weather, you can see a few kilometers ahead. It is generally accepted that the higher the better. That's why most of tourists are heading to the skyscraper Willis Tower. But there the view is blocked by numerous skyscrapers around. From here, the view is one of those that are remembered for a lifetime.

Built in the early 60s of the last century, reinforced concrete towers are a wonderful personification of that particular era. Under the houses there is a marina for boats, a concert hall, a swimming pool, a hotel and two residential buildings with parking (19 floors). It is worth noting that it was thanks to this project that the practice of placing parking floors in the lower floors of a building has spread in the States and around the world.

One of the most famous buildings in Chicago, built in the late 19th century. A unique building both in architecture and interior. First, the oldest high-rise building in the city; secondly, it still functions as an office building. In the early 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright redesigned the lobby of the building, adding more space, light and air to the existing atrium. It is worth taking the time to study the small details and stands with the history of the building.

The house is located in the amazing area of ​​Hyde Park, in the south of Chicago, not far from the University of Chicago. The house is a cultural heritage of the United States and belongs to the first truly American style - "organic architecture". The architect designed the project of the house, as well as interior decoration, lighting and furniture. In 2010, a partial restoration was completed, it remains only to complete the restoration of furniture. Walking through the halls, it is impossible to believe that it was possible to live in such beauty that cars drove into the garage, and now the museum's store.

The building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built at the beginning of the last century. For many, this reinforced concrete building is the first "modern" building. The gray monumental structure contrasts with surprisingly thin and laconic interiors. Wright was responsible not only for the walls, but also for the furniture and stained glass windows of the building. Since the beginning of 2009, an active restoration has been going on, the building is recognized as one of the ten most significant architectural structures in USA. Any time spent on the road will be worth it. While here, visit F.L. Wright.

A building of interesting fate and unique design. It is located in the business center of the city and was originally built as a store. The first floors of the building are decorated with the most complex forging, as is the bridge that leads directly from the metro station to the building. In 2011, a multi-year, approximately $70 million restoration of the building was completed. The building currently houses the Art Institute of Chicago, a Target store, and more.

The oldest surviving Baha'i House of Worship is located in Wilmette, north of Chicago. The nice landscape of the park and the lake is abruptly replaced by the dome of the center peeking out from behind the turn. Takes your breath away. The decision to build the House was made in 1903, but the project itself was completed in 1953. It took the community 50 years to collect the necessary donations for the construction of the House. An amazing building, as if floating in the air in sunny weather.

Illinois College of Architecture Institute of Technology located in one of the most significant buildings of the modernist movement - S.R. crown hall. The building of Ludwig van der Rose was built in 1950-56. Metal and glass are connected in such a way that it seems as if the two-story building is floating in the air. In 2005, the building was reconstructed and its appearance and interiors were restored.

Breathtaking skyscrapers, interesting museums, picturesque parks, leading designer shops and restaurants for every taste - all this is Chicago. Having become famous in the first half of the 20th century for its colorful gangsters, today it is one of the largest financial, transport and cultural centers USA. Millions of tourists from all over the world come to this city every year to touch the American dream and see the sights of Chicago.

Skyscrapers, skyscrapers...

When we talk about skyscrapers, the sights of Chicago often come to mind. It is to this city that the world owes the very first skyscraper, which was the building of the Insurance Company (1885). Unfortunately, this skyscraper no longer exists today.

In 1973, the tallest skyscraper in the world, the Sears Tower (443 meters), was erected, which in 2009 was renamed the Willis Tower. In 1998, the Willis Tower ceased to be the world record holder, but still remains the tallest in the United States, and ranks fifth in the world. Tourists can visit the observation deck on the 103rd floor, from which you can admire not only the beautiful city itself, but also, if you're lucky with the weather, the territories of four American states.

Other interesting skyscrapers include the State of Illinois Building with transparent elevators and the Aqua, which features an unusual curvilinear facade.

The five tallest skyscrapers in Chicago are:

Willis Tower (443 meters, 108 floors);
Trump International Hotel (415 meters, 92 floors);
Aon Center (346 meters, 83 floors);
John Hancock Center (344 meters, 100 floors);
Franklin Center (307 meters, 61 floors).

Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is a street where leading brand stores, restaurants, and hotels are concentrated. Here you can spend the whole day admiring shop windows, shopping, relaxing in cafes, because there are 460 shops and 275 restaurants on this street! Surrounding the Magnificent Mile on all sides are state-of-the-art skyscrapers, which provide an interesting contrast to Chicago's iconic water tower building, the only structure left standing after a terrible fire in 1871. Then it served as a guideline by which the survivors could find the wreckage of their homes, and today it is a symbol of courage and resilience, because in many ways it was the city rebuilt after the fire that became an example of unsurpassed architecture.

Parks of Chicago

But the metropolis is famous not only for its innovative architecture and expensive shops. In any photo you can see how green this city is. The most famous parks in Chicago are Millennium Park, Grant Park and Lincoln Park.

Millennium Park attracts tourists not only with its beautiful landscapes. Other famous Chicago attractions are located on its territory - the Jay Pritzker Pavilion open theater, AT & T Plaza - an open area on which an unusual huge Cloud Gate sculpture is located - a cloud gate, although this monument more resembles a bean, for which the locals called it the Bean. Children and adult tourists are attracted by Crown Fountain fountains.

At first glance, they are just cubic towers depicting the faces of city dwellers. But sometimes the images begin to make faces, and then the fountains “spit”, so you need to be prepared for the unexpected. However, the water is usually warm and perfectly refreshing on a hot summer day. Millennium Park was opened to visitors in 2004, and the budget for its construction amounted to almost 500 million US dollars.

In addition to parks, there are about 30 beaches and several bird sanctuaries, so this city can also appeal to those tourists who prefer to enjoy nature during their holidays.

One of the most popular places of recreation for citizens and entertainment for city guests is the Navy Pier. Initially, it was built as a logistics center, and it was assumed that warehouses would be built on its territory. Gradually, however, residents of the city began to arrange picnics at the Navy Pier, and enterprising businessmen opened cafes and entertainment venues. Today, the pier houses gardens, attractions, cafes, concerts and shows. One of the symbols of the Navy Pier and all of Chicago is the large Ferris wheel, from which you can admire the city and the river.

Museums in Chicago

There are many museums here. The Museum of Science and Industry, dedicated to the achievements of scientific and technological progress, is very popular. Every year it is visited by millions of tourists, and the museum's collection includes more than 35,000 exhibits.