flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

SOM completes Willis Tower Skydeck transformation

Reconstruction & Renovation

SOM completes Willis Tower Skydeck transformation

The renovation includes a new exhibition and a reimagined observation deck.


By David Malone, Associate Editor | April 28, 2021
Willis Tower Skydeck observation

All photos: Dave Burk | SOM

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.

 

Willis Tower skydeck observation

 

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.

 

Willis Tower skydeck

 

WIllis Tower skydeck exhibit

Related Stories

| Jun 11, 2014

Bill signing signals approval to revitalize New Orleans’ convention center corridor

A plan to revitalize New Orleans' Convention Center moves forward after Louisiana governor signs bill.

| May 30, 2014

Developer will convert Dallas' storied LTV Building into mixed-use residential tower

New Orleans-based HRI Properties recently completed the purchase of one of the most storied buildings in downtown Dallas. The developer will convert the LTV Building into a mixed-use complex, with 171 hotel rooms and 186 luxury apartments.

| May 21, 2014

Gehry unveils plan for renovation, expansion of Philadelphia Museum of Art [slideshow]

Gehry's final design reorganizes and expands the building, adding more than 169,000 sf of space, much of it below the iconic structure.

| May 6, 2014

'Ugliest building in New Jersey' finally getting facelift

After a decade of false starts and mishaps, the American Dream mall in the Meadowlands may finally get built.

| Apr 16, 2014

Upgrading windows: repair, refurbish, or retrofit [AIA course]

Building Teams must focus on a number of key decisions in order to arrive at the optimal solution: repair the windows in place, remove and refurbish them, or opt for full replacement.

| Apr 11, 2014

ULI report documents business case for building healthy projects

Sustainable and wellness-related design strategies embody a strong return on investment, according to a report by the Urban Land Institute.

| Mar 25, 2014

Sydney breaks ground on its version of the High Line elevated park [slideshow]

The 500-meter-long park will feature bike paths, study pods, and outdoor workspaces.

| Mar 24, 2014

Frank Lloyd Wright's S.C. Johnson Research Tower to open to the public—32 years after closing

The 14-story tower, one of only two Wright-designed high-rises to be built, has been off limits to the public since its construction in 1950.

| Feb 26, 2014

Adaptive reuse project brings school into historic paper mill

The project features nontraditional classrooms for collaborative learning, an arts and music wing, and a technologically sophisticated global resource center.

Sponsored | | Feb 20, 2014

Chicago’s historic Wrigley Building renovated to attract tech companies

Purchased in 2011 by a consortium of investors led by BDT Capital Partners, the building’s new owners have recently renovated and reimagined the next life for this architectural landmark—as a hub for tech firms.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




Mass Timber

British Columbia hospital features mass timber community hall

The Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project in Duncan, British Columbia, features an expansive community hall featuring mass timber construction. The hall, designed to promote social interaction and connection to give patients, families, and staff a warm and welcoming environment, connects a Diagnostic and Treatment (“D&T”) Block and Inpatient Tower.

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021