Skydeck, Willis Tower, Chicago
RETROFIT TEAM
ARCHITECT; INTERIOR DESIGNER; AND STRUCTURAL, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING ENGINEER: SOM
EXHIBIT DESIGNERS: Thinc Design and Chicago Scenic Studios
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Clark Construction Group
CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT: RL Edward Partners
MATERIALS
The following is a sampling of materials used in the project:
POLISHED CONCRETE FLOORING: Level Top PC-AGG from Euclid Chemical
DECORATIVE CARPET TILE: Lapidus collection, COR174 Flint, from Milliken
GREY AND BLACK PAINT FINISHES: Benjamin Moore
VINYL TILE STAIR TREADS AT OBSERVATORY PERIMETER: #19 from Roppe
BLACK ANODIZED ALUMINUM AND GLAZED WALL AIRLOCK SYSTEM: Series 402 2- by 4 1/2-inch by EFCO
BLACK ANODIZED ALUMINUM FINISHES: Linetec
BLACK ACRYLIC RESIN LAMINATE PANELS: FENIX Nero Ingo 0720
THE RETROFIT
Completed in 1973—and for 25 years the tallest building in the world—the 110-story Willis Tower has marked a major milestone in its transformation with the completion of a new Skydeck experience. The renovation is the lat- est in SOM’s 50-year stewardship of Willis Tower, which includes the design of the tower itself and the 2009 addition of the Ledge at the Skydeck, a series of glass-enclosed balconies that offer visitors the opportunity to experience the city from 103 stories above ground.
Exemplifying SOM’s belief that a building’s structure should inform its design, the Skydeck returns to the original vision for the building, foregrounding the tower’s iconic views while showcasing its pioneering structural design through minimal design gestures and subtle finishes.
“Skydeck has always been the best way for locals and visitors to see all of Chicago, and now we have dramatically expanded and elevated the experience beyond what anyone has seen before. The new Skydeck experience celebrates hometown traditions and Chicago’s storied history with incredible views that you can’t find anywhere else,” says David Moore, senior vice president, portfolio director for EQ Office, the tower’s operator.
Upon entering, guests are guided through an interactive exhibition that explores how architecture has shaped Chicago’s history and identity, complete with bronze models of the city’s most influential buildings. A fly-through video by Squint/Opera provides an immersive tour of the skyline.
An elevator ride to the 103rd floor reveals the transformed observation deck. Interior enhancements, improved lighting and building-technology upgrades allow for greatly expanded views across the city while new interactive screens encourage visitors to learn more about Chicago’s historic architecture.
“Willis Tower is synonymous with Chicago’s skyline. Envisioned in our studios more than 50 years ago, its design continues to inspire us today. In creating the new Skydeck, we wanted to honor the structural clarity and simplicity of the tower’s original design approach,” explains Scott Duncan, SOM design partner. “We wanted to create a quiet backdrop for people to be fully immersed in the city’s skyline and allow the view to speak for itself.” As part of the renovation, the U.S. Green Building Council awarded Willis Tower LEED Platinum certification.
PHOTOS: Dave Burk/SOM