Aqua (skyscraper), Chicago

It took nearly five decades, but with the completion of Aqua, designed by Jeanne Gang, the iconic towers of Bertrand Goldberg's Marina City finally have a true contender in terms of architectural boldness that captures the essence of Chicago on a global scale. Soaring to a height of 859 feet, Aqua also holds the distinction of being the tallest building designed by a female lead architect, garnering numerous awards shortly after its construction.

Like Marina City, Aqua is a mixed-use complex, blending condominiums, apartments, commercial spaces, and a hotel. However, in contrast to Marina City's unconventional circular design, Aqua takes on the shape of a more typical rectangular tower. What sets it apart is Gang's ingenious incorporation of the concept of "vertical topography" to create a multifaceted texture on the building's façade, breaking away from the conventional linearity that lies beneath.

The edges of the floor slabs continuously vary from one floor to another. Balconies extend out as far as twelve feet in areas with optimal views or the need for sun shading. In contrast, some balconies are as narrow as two feet or even omitted, with the curtain wall behind them employing high-performance, reflective glass to form "pools" — resembling watery voids nestled within the vertical contours of the undulating balconies. Meanwhile, atop the building, an expansive 80,000-square-foot terrace houses lush gardens designed by landscape architect Ted Wolff, complemented by a swimming pool and other amenities.

When viewed head-on from a distance, especially on overcast days, Aqua's distinctive features can blend into the city skyline. Yet, when illuminated by light and observed up close, the building's visual allure becomes almost mesmerizing. Its ever-changing façade makes it elusive to the eye, and standing beneath one of its corners and looking up, the absence of traditional grid points to anchor your vision creates a sense of perpetual motion across Aqua's surfaces.

Why You Should Visit:
One of the most unique buildings in the world; each balcony is unique in size and shape giving the appearance of water flowing in waves.