SOM has completed the renovation and transformation of the Willis Tower Skydeck. The project includes an immersive new exhibition and a reimagined observation deck that will allow visitors to explore the city’s past, present, and future. The project returns the Skydeck to the original vision for the building, foregrounding the tower’s iconic views while showcasing its structural design through minimal design gestures and subtle finishes.
Upon entering, guests are guided through an interactive exhibition that explores how architecture has shaped Chicago’s history and identity. The exhibition includes bronze models of the city’s most influential buildings and a fly-through video that gives an immersive tour of the skyline.
The transformed observation deck on floor 103 includes improved lighting and building technology upgrades that greatly expand views across the city. New interactive screens encourage visitors to learn more about Chicago’s historic architecture.
As part of the renovation, Willis Tower earned LEED Platinum certification. SOM led design for architecture, interiors, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering. RL Edward Partners and Clark Construction Group constructed the renovation.
Related Stories
Hotel Facilities | Feb 15, 2017
Morphosis redesigns Swiss hotel rooms as custom ‘aesthetic experiences’
The redesigned rooms focused on scale, color, tactility, unexpected form, and connections to the natural context.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Feb 2, 2017
$500 million investment will modernize Chicago’s Willis Tower *Updated*
The project will be the first major renovation in the building’s 43-year history.
Cultural Facilities | Jan 30, 2017
Former windmill factory proposed as new ‘vibrant culture house’
The transformed building would provide space for street sports, street culture, and street art.
Hotel Facilities | Jan 25, 2017
New Denver hotel will integrate historic 130-year-old fire station into its design
The 1883 Denver Hose Company No.1 building will be fully restored as part of the project.
Museums | Nov 18, 2016
Plans for the expansion and renovation of the Asian Art Museum in Seattle unveiled
LMN Architects is the architect and interior designer for the Bebb and Gould-designed museum.
Reconstruction Awards | Nov 11, 2016
Adaptive reuse juices up an abandoned power plant
The power plant was on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
Reconstruction Awards | Nov 11, 2016
Exclusive Chicago club re-emerges as a boutique hotel
Built in 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exposition, the CAA was an exclusive social club founded by leading figures in American sports and commerce.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Sep 28, 2016
Architecture conservation efforts begin at Salk Institute of Biological Studies
Getty-led research and funding leads to important site repairs and long-term conservation management planning.
Sponsored | Reconstruction & Renovation | Sep 13, 2016
Daytona International Speedway becomes racing’s first modern stadium
Daytona International Speedway has undergone a $400 million full-scale makeover to update the facilities first built in 1959.
Mixed-Use | Sep 8, 2016
Former sports stadium to become landscaped gardens, housing, and shops
According to the architects, Maison Edouard François, the project will act as a new green lung for the densely populated neighborhood.
