A Comparison


Last week we posted (click here) about a Milton Schwartz designed building on Oakdale
Avenue in Chicago. Edward Lifson, whose blog Hello Beautiful! we follow, wrote a comment and asked, "How would you compare it to Studio Gang's Aqua?"

 
[320 W. Oakdale (1954) Milton Schwartz; Aqua (2009) Studio Gang, Chicago, November 2, 2009 /Images & Artwork: designslinger]

Well, here are the two buildings.

Jeanne Gang and her Studio's Aqua opened for occupancy in the Fall of 2009, and there
have been people falling all over themselves taking pictures of the remarkable looking structure. Yours truly among the crowds. Milton Schwartz's 320 W. Oakdale (on the left) is from 1954.

 
[Looking up at the facade /Images & Artwork: designslinger]

A comparison may not seem obvious at first.

 
[At the corner /Images & Artwork; designslinger]

Or even on second glance.

 
[A comparison /Images & Artwork: designslinger]

But you'll notice that the floor plane in each building has been pushed out beyond the
rectangular glass curtain wall. It's one of the things that I find so compelling about Schwartz's design for Oakdale, and got me thinking about Edward's question in relation to Gang's Aqua.

So, what do you think? How would you compare them?

With a thank you to Edward for today's inspiration.
Posted by designslinger at 1/11/2010 2:32 AM
Categories: Architecture
Tags: Milton Schwartz Aqua Studio Gang 320 W. Oakdale Chicago Jeanne Gang
 

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  • 1/11/2010 5:40 PM Elizabeth9 wrote:
    Glad you followed up on this. Fantastic photos as always and great angles. I felt quite dizzy looking at the Aqua, especially the last pic, lol. My eyes prefer the Oakdale with its straight lines, but my imagination is amazed by the Aqua. Thank you.
    1. 1/12/2010 5:11 AM designslinger wrote:
      You're welcome. And a thanks goes to you for your regular visits, and comments too!

  • 1/14/2010 4:05 PM MichaelR wrote:
    The comparison of these two buildings strikes me as a series of before and after pictures. The Schwartz building being a the starting point and the Gang building as the result of years of exposure to the elements – much like a piece of driftwood on the beach or melting snow receding in the spring. A wonderful juxtaposition.
    1. 1/15/2010 4:45 AM designslinger wrote:
      What a wonderful perspective. Thanks for sharing.


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