Gensler unveils skyscraper design for site of Calatrava's ill-fated Chicago Spire...
"The aim of the design was not just to pen a very tall tower, but to explore the untapped mixed-use possibilities of the prominent site. Gensler Principal and Chicago office Design Director Brian Vitale explains, "Our solution was to create an anti-tower, one that was not designed purely as an object to look at but rather one that is engaging at different scales to the entire city, one that would welcome newcomers as it simultaneously embraces locals."
While Mr. Calatrava’s Spire was condominium only, the mixed-use concept presented by Gensler not only opens the space up for the enjoyment of more people, it can also be far more financially lucrative. This trend is already seen in New York’s Empire State Building which today brings in more revenue from its observatory than all of its commercial tenants combined. Chicago’s AON Center, the city’s third tallest building, is also reportedly considering the addition of an observatory for this very reason. More information here: http://chicago.curbed.com/2016/6/3/1...-gateway-tower
Click below for detailed render...