Slicing Through the Air
[Sofitel Chicago Water Tower (2002) Jean-Paul Viguier with Teng Associates, architects /Images & Artwork:
designslinger]
There is no trick photography here, Chicago's Sofitel Water Tower hotel cuts through the
sky like a knife blade. And it's the only building I know of where the sun shines on the east and west sides of a building at the same time. The tall, narrow triangle of glass faces south and the east and west facades are the parts of the 33-story structure primarily made-up of white panels with window openings punched into the surface. These pics were taken around 11:00 a.m on a July day.
[Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, Chestnut and Rush Streets, Chicago /Images & Artwork: designslinger]
Designed by Fench architect Jean-Paul Viguier, Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, which opened
in 2002, is one in a number of striking hotels built by the chain. Viguier may not be well known here in the States, but he has designed some exquisite buildings overseas especially in Paris' La Defense development, and the Maroc Telecom Headquarters Building which is under construction in Rabat.
[Sofitel Chicago /Images & Artwork: designslinger]
The hotel sits across the street from a small, triangular park created by the intersection of
four streets, one of whcih cuts diagonally through neighborhood. Vigueir's triangle is a nice compliment to the park and vice-versa. The building is a great addition to Chicago's world famous architectural heritage, which Viguier's has helped move forward, into the 21st century.
Posted by designslinger at 7/27/2010 2:03 AM 
Categories: Architecture
Tags: Jean Paul Viguier Sofitel Chicago Water Tower Teng Associates hotels
Categories: Architecture
Tags: Jean Paul Viguier Sofitel Chicago Water Tower Teng Associates hotels
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