John Hancock Center - Chicago

Country USA

Floors 100

Height(m) 344

Height(ft) 1127

Date Built 1969

Concept No

Complete Yes

Description

Vital Statistics :

The building with a floor area of 260,126 m² is home to offices and restaurants, as well as about 700 condominiums and contains the highest residences in the world. The 44th-floor skylobby features America's highest indoor swimming pool. The elliptical-shaped plaza outside the building serves as a public oasis with seasonal plantings and a 370 cm (12 ft) waterfall.

Special Design Features :

One of the most famous buildings of the structural expressionist style, the skyscraper's distinctive X-bracing exterior is actually a hint that the structure's skin is indeed part of its 'tubular system'. This idea is one of the architectural techniques the building used to climb to record heights (the tubular system is essentially the spine that helps the building stand upright during wind and earthquake loads). This X-bracing allows for both higher performance from tall structures and the ability to open up the inside floorplan (and usable floor space) if the architect desires. A preponderance of original features, such as the skin, has made the John Hancock Center an architectural icon.

Earthquyake Safety :The tubular system is essentially the spine that helps the building stand upright during wind and earthquakes.

Observation Decks :The Hancock Center's observation facilities compete with the Sears Tower's Skydeck across town.The Hancock Center 94th floor observation deck displays exhibits about the city of Chicago. Maps explain the view in each direction and a special meshed-in area allows the visitors to feel the winds 314 m (1,030 ft) above ground level.