SOM, Thinc Design, and Chicago Scenic Studios have created the Skydeck at Willis Tower, Chicago
by Tom Walker | 27 Apr 2021
The Skydeck attraction at the Willis Tower in Chicago – which held the title of the world's tallest building for 25 years – has reopened following an extensive redevelopment.
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Thinc Design, and Chicago Scenic Studios, the Skydeck forms the centrepiece of a visitor experience which also includes a new interactive exhibition showcasing how architecture has shaped Chicago’s history and identity.
On entering the 110-storey Willis Tower, guests are guided through the interactive exhibition, while a fly-through video by Squint/Opera provides an immersive tour of the skyline.
An elevator ride to the 103rd floor then reveals the transformed observation deck.
Interior enhancements, improved lighting and building technology upgrades allow for greatly expanded views across the city, while new interactive screens encourage visitors to learn more about Chicago’s historic architecture.
Along with the views, guests can indulge in informational videos about the city's growth, travel patterns, cultural attractions and the making and history of The Ledge.
Guests are invited to leave a mark on the city by creating drawings or messages on the interactive sequin wall.
The Skydeck was developed and led by EQ Office, the operator of Willis Tower, and constructed by RL Edward Partners and Clark Construction Group.
David Moore, senior VP, portfolio director at EQ Office, said: “Skydeck has always been the best way for locals and visitors to see all of Chicago, and now we have dramatically expanded and elevated the experience beyond what anyone has seen before.
"The new Skydeck experience celebrates hometown traditions and Chicago’s storied history, with incredible views that you can’t find anywhere else."
Randy Stancik, general manager at Skydeck Chicago, said: "With the reimagined attraction, we wanted to take that experience a step further.
"The new Skydeck tells the story of Chicago – from the Great Chicago Fire to iconic city legends – and allows visitors to actively engage with our beloved home in a way that is wholly their own.
"From interactive and educational installations to fun, photo-worthy moments, guests of all ages, backgrounds and geographic locations will leave with a newfound connection to Chicago and the incredible memories of our unparalleled views."
Skydeck Skidmore Owings & Merrill SOM Thinc Design Chicago Scenic Studios
Skydeck forms the centrepiece of a visitor experience / SOM
More news
BrewDog reveals plans for visitor centre and rooftop brewery on Las Vegas strip
by Tom Walker | 01 May 2021
BrewDog has signed a lease for a visitor centre, restaurant and rooftop brewery on the iconic Las Vegas strip. To be located above the Showcase Mall, plans announced by the Scottish brewer for the space include a brewery, an "urban forest", an event and entertainment space and a retro game zone. BrewDog co-founder James Watt had hinted at a Las Vegas launch earlier this year, when he teased that plans
Mozambique: Luxury eco-resort created with patented 3D sand-printing technology
by Megan Whitby | 29 Apr 2021
Luxury eco-resort Kisawa Sanctuary has launched with a soft opening on Mozambique's subtropical island of Benguerra, complete with a Natural Wellness Centre inspired by Mozambican dwellings. Kisawa has been brought to life using patented 3D sand-printing technology and is the brainchild of entrepreneur Nina Flohr – the daughter of Thomas Flohr, Swiss billionaire and founder of private aviation company VistaJet. The method was used wherever possible to replace less sustainable
Hopkins Architects-designed wildlife sanctuary and visitor centre completed in Sharjah, UAE
by Tom Walker | 27 Apr 2021
Work has been completed on the Khor Kalba Turtle and Wildlife Sanctuary in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Commissioned by Sharjah’s Environmental Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) and situated on Kalba Creek, one of the most sensitive and biodiverse nature reserves in the Gulf, the complex comprises a cluster of rounded building forms, creating a sanctuary for rehabilitating turtles and nurturing endangered birds. Designed by Hopkins Architects, the sanctuary will also
Superyacht, Earth 300, to launch in 2025 on a journey to save planet earth
by Tom Walker | 27 Apr 2021
A 300m-long superyacht is set to launch in 2025, carrying a scientific "strike force" tasked with studying the earth's climate and coming up with plans to tackle global warming. Called Earth 300, the research vessel will feature a 13-storey Science Sphere, housing 22 laboratories and acting as a floating scientific hub. Designed by Iddes Yachts – led by naval architect Iván Salas Jefferson – and Polish naval architecture firm NED,
Architects chosen to design Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Games village
by Tom Walker | 21 Apr 2021
A global team of architects has been chosen to design the masterplan for the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic village. The team, called Outcomist, includes Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Arup, Nigel Dunnett Studio, Carlo Ratti Associati, Gross Max, Portland Design, Systematica, Studio Zoppini, Aecom, LAND, Artelia and PLP Architecture. The project – called Parco Romana – will transform the vast Porta Romana railway yard area in Milan, creating a Athletes’ Village
Berlin's new Exile Museum set for 2025 opening
by Tom Walker | 20 Apr 2021
A new museum telling the stories of the people exiled from Germany by the Nazi regime is set to open in Berlin in 2025. The Exile Museum will incorporate the ruins of the Anhalter Bahnhof railway station, which was used by people fleeing the country during World War II before it was bombed in 1943. The museum will include biographies of famous exiled Germans – including Albert Einstein and Thomas
Iconic Radio City Music Hall to get rooftop garden and 'skybridge'
by Tom Walker | 20 Apr 2021
The iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York will soon feature an innovative, landscaped rooftop park, after proposals were approved by the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission. The plans, by G3 Architecture Interiors Planning, Tishman Speyer and HMWhite, will see a pedestrian bridge being built to connect the Rockefeller Center – which houses the Radio City venue – to a newly established roof garden. Covering around 24,000sq ft, the rooftop
Lagula Arquitectes designs new wellness centre for PGA Catalunya golf resort in Spain
by Megan Whitby | 01 Apr 2021
Golf resort, PGA Catalunya, will unveil its brand new Wellness Centre in Girona, Spain, on 16 April, following a €5m (£4.3m, US$5.9m) investment. Set in 540 hectares of Mediterranean Forest, PGA Catalunya offers a holistic retreat that integrates physical and mental health into a space that nurtures fulfilment through golf, leisure and low-density living. With the opening of the 1,000sq m Wellness Centre, PGA Catalunya wants to position itself as
Vietnam: Noor Design completes Adrian Zecha's first Azerai beach resort
by Megan Whitby | 31 Mar 2021
Hotelier Adrian Zecha, founder of Aman resorts, has expanded his Azerai brand with a new barefoot luxury destination and spa in Southeastern Vietnam. Named Azerai Ke Ga Bay, the beachfront retreat has come to fruition after an extensive makeover of the former Princess D’Annam Resort & Spa. The resort comprises 46 suites and a newly refreshed oceanfront spa with an aesthetic defined by clean minimalism. “We wanted to create a
Christian Lachel appointed chief creative officer at BRC Imagination Arts
by Magali Robathan | 26 Mar 2021
Global design and production agency BRC Imagination Arts has appointed Christian Lachel as chief creative officer, taking over the role from BRC founder Bob Rogers. Previously vice president and executive creative director, Lachel first joined BRC in 1997. Since then, he has helped guide the company during a period of rapid GLOBAL growth, and has taken lead roles on projects including Destination Scotland (Johnnie Walker Princes St, Glenkinchie Distillery), Jameson Distillery
Work completed on iconic M+ museum designed by Herzog & de Meuron’s in Hong Kong
by Tom Walker | 26 Mar 2021
Construction work has been completed on the M+ museum building in Hong Kong, ahead of its grand opening later this year. The Herzog & de Meuron-designed museum – created in partnership with TFP Farrells and Arup – is the latest addition to Hong Kong's global arts and cultural landscape and is set to become a new international architectural icon. Located in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District on the Victoria
Alta Capital Real Estate launches new fund targeting hospitality developments focused on sustainability and wellness
by Megan Whitby | 25 Mar 2021
At a time when companies in the hospitality sector are facing unprecedented challenges, private equity firm Alta Capital Real Estate has grasped the opportunity to invest in undervalued wellness hospitality assets across Asia-Pacific. It recently launched the Alta Hospitality Fund Asia with the aim of “repositioning, rebranding and redeveloping assets for the post-COVID world in order to deliver solid returns”. It aims to create a portfolio value of US$50m (€42m,
Langham to open beachfront hotel and TCM spa inside Chad Oppenheim's glimmering crystalline towers
by Megan Whitby | 23 Mar 2021
Langham Hospitality Group will manage its third luxury hotel in Gold Coast, Australia, housed within the new Chad Oppenheim-designed crystalline jewel tower. Opening Q4 2021, The Langham, Gold Coast will feature 169 rooms and suites, 170 serviced residences and a signature Langham Chuan spa. With their prime beachfront location in Surfers Paradise, the hotel and serviced apartments will be inside the central and tallest of the three landmark towers of
Sordo Madaleno and Alejandro Escudero create Sha Wellness Clinic and residences in Mexico
by Megan Whitby | 17 Mar 2021
Sha Wellness Clinic has announced plans to open residences in 2022, as part of its new Sha Mexico resort. The second development from Sha follows on from the original clinic in Spain – the new resort will have a clinic alongside the wellbeing-focused residences which will offer a "complete immersion in the Sha lifestyle". The destination and residences will be located just north of the Riviera Maya on the Caribbean,
'Oscars Museum' to host programme of virtual events ahead of September 2021 opening
by Tom Walker | 17 Mar 2021
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles has announced a busy programme of virtual events ahead of its grand opening later this year. Set to open to the public for the first time on 30 September 2021, the museum will launch the virtual programme to coincide with the Oscars ceremony, taking place in April 2021. The programme will feature panel discussions with film industry leaders, as well as
Kerzner unveils new fitness-focused hospitality brand dedicated to health and wellbeing
by Megan Whitby | 11 Mar 2021
Kerzner International, the owner of One&Only Resorts and Atlantis Resort & Residences, has developed a new immersive lifestyle hospitality concept inspired by fitness and wellbeing. SIRO (pronounced Sigh-Row) represents the pillars of Strength, Inclusive, Reflection and Original and invites guests to aspire to live at their fullest potential through a specialised blend of hospitality, fitness and wellness. A place of connection, the immersive lifestyle destinations will create a welcoming social
Design Museum Everywhere launches diversity training programme
by Magali Robathan | 15 Mar 2021
Non profit, 'nomadic' Boston-based museum Design Museum Everywhere has launched its Diversity in Action three month training programme designed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within the design industry. Led by Diana Navarrete-Rackauckas, Design Museum’s director of learning and interpretation, Diversity in Action was created for design professionals across the industry, and aims to provide the tools to examine their work and designs through an equity lens. Over the course
Snøhetta reveals reinvented Kon-Tiki Museum – due to open in 2025
by Tom Walker | 10 Mar 2021
The Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo, Norway, will undergo a redesign and expansion expected to be completed in 2025. The ambitious works will transform the attraction, which charts the travels of Norwegian adventurer, Thor Heyerdahl. Located on the forested Bygdøy peninsula in Oslo, the Kon-Tiki Museum is already one of Norway’s most visited museums, with more than 70 per cent of its visitors coming from abroad. The museum houses a broad
Bjarke Ingels-designed Oakland baseball stadium a step closer
by Tom Walker | 04 Mar 2021
A proposed Major League Baseball (MLB) stadium in Oakland, US – designed by Danish architects Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) – is a step closer to reality following the publication of an environmental report by city authorities. The Oakland Ballpark Waterfront District Project will be anchored by a 35,000-capacity ballpark, which will become the new home of MLB franchise Oakland A's. As well as the baseball venue, the project includes a
London's Battersea Power Station prepares for major launch
by Tom Walker | 28 Feb 2021
The restoration of the Grade II*-listed Power Station in London is nearing completion, with the mixed-use development preparing to open its next phase over the following months. This will see the first tenants moving into the regenerated Power Station, designed by WilkinsonEyre, followed by residents to the Electric Boulevard – designed by Gehry Partners and Foster + Partners – by the end of the year. Simon Murphy, CEO of the
Weiss/Manfredi and Reed Hilderbrand reveal US$250m redevelopment for Longwood Gardens, Philadelphia
by Tom Walker | 28 Feb 2021
Longwood Gardens, a botanical visitor attraction near Philadelphia, US, has revealed plans for a US$250m redevelopment project. The historic site – one of the largest horticultural gardens in the US – will transform its visitor experience through the revitalisation of 17 acres of its core conservatory area. The 'Longwood Reimagined' project – set to be completed by late 2024 – will expand the public spaces of the central grounds and
Baca Architects submits scheme for floating eco-wellness resort
by Megan Whitby | 25 Feb 2021
Baca Architects has submitted a scheme to transform an unused flooded quarry and surrounding land into an eco-wellness resort, centred on waterside living and water-based recreation. In development is a response to pandemic travel bans, which are driving growth in the UK holiday market. The 80-hectare Ashwicken Lake site is situated in East Anglia, UK, and features woodlands, wetlands and a 1sq km lake. A £35m (US$49.4m, €40,7m) investment by
MVRDV reveal ambitious plans to create Marble Arch visitor attraction for London
by Tom Walker | 19 Feb 2021
A new visitor attraction at London's Marble Arch is set to anchor ambitious plans to "reimagine" the city's famous Oxford Street shopping district. The planned Marble Arch Hill visitor attraction, designed by architects MVRDV, is part of plans to attract people back to Oxford Street following the coronavirus pandemic. Considered Europe’s busiest shopping street, Oxford Street has been hit particularly hard by COVID-19 measures. Plans are already underway to diversify
Coventry's former IKEA building slated to become arts and cultural centre of international importance
by Tom Walker | 18 Feb 2021
Coventry, the UK City of Culture in 2021, wants to seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create an arts hub to establish the city as an international destination for culture. Coventry City Council (CCC) has revealed multi-million pound plans to transform the IKEA building in the city into a visitor attraction showcasing some of the UK's greatest works of art. The new national Collections Centre would be created through a partnership
World's first entirely wooden stadium approved for use by EFL
by Tom Walker | 09 Feb 2021
Plans by Forest Green Rovers Football Club (FGRFC) to play its games at the world’s first entirely wooden stadium have been approved by the English Football League (EFL). Getting approval to host games at the proposed stadium clears another planning hurdle for the project, which would see a 5,000-seat venue built near the UK town of Eastington. Plans for the stadium were first unveiled in 2015 and it is expected
Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter and ASP Architecture create hidden nature retreat inspired by hygge and Nordic hospitality
by Megan Whitby | 05 Feb 2021
In the depths of the French countryside sits 48° North Landscape Hotel, a holistic ecotourism and wellness destination inspired by Scandinavian and French traditions. Realised by Nordic architecture firm Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter in collaboration with local firm, ASP Architecture, the secluded hotel is perched on the heights of the Breitenbach village in the Alsace region of France. Accommodation consists of 14 interpretations of traditional Scandinavian cottages – called a hytte
Zaha Hadid’s Opus building houses spa designed by The Wellness
by Megan Whitby | 03 Feb 2021
In 2020, the Dubai skyline was updated with an 84,300sq m cube-shaped building with a gaping eight-storey-wide void at its centre. One of the late visionary architect Zaha Hadid’s final projects. Named The Opus by Omniyat, the destination is set apart by being the only project where Hadid was responsible for both architecture and interiors, including select pieces from Zaha Hadid Design’s in-house furniture collection. The two-tower building is located
Meow Wolf creates mind-blowing Las Vegas attraction – Omega Mart
by Tom Walker | 02 Feb 2021
Omega Mart, a permanent visitor attraction and art installation built by Meow Wolf, is set to open in Las Vegas, US, this month. The attraction, dubbed "America's most exceptional supermarket", is located at Area15 – an experiential, 200,000sq ft retail and entertainment centre – and will feature more than 250 art projects created by 325 artists. In total, Omega Mart houses more than 60 unique environments that include installation-filled rooms,
BRC selected to design new World Food Center – will explore sustainability and global food supply
by Tom Walker | 19 Jan 2021
Design specialist BRC Imagination Arts (BRC) has been selected to design and produce the World Food Center Experience in Ede, the Netherlands. The attraction will become an interactive platform exploring the impact of the world’s food choices and the importance of sustainable and healthy food production. BRC's concept will take guests on a personalised journey that will "challenge what they know about how food is produced and consumed, worldwide". The
Ritz-Carlton Reserve opens with luxury spa at Japanese alpine ski resort
by Megan Whitby | 13 Jan 2021
The Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio has expanded, with the opening of a premium all-season alpine resort at one of Japan's top winter sports destinations in Hokkaido. Owned by YTL Hotels, the 50-room Higashiyama Niseko Village resort is the first Japanese Ritz-Carlton Reserve and YTL's fifth destination in Niseko Village, residing at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri with panoramic mountain views. Niseko Village has been selected as the venue for some
company profile
videos
BluGalaxy a Division of Blu Spas
Blu Spas
This animation showcases the beautiful concept design of BluGalaxy Spa.
Try cladmag for free!
Sign up with CLAD to receive our regular ezine, instant news alerts, free digital subscriptions to CLADweek, CLADmag and CLADbook and to request a free sample of the next issue of CLADmag.
sign up
features
"Funding woes and murky timelines are common problems. It can be easier to make a difference one small project at a time"
From parks designed to mitigate the effects of flooding to warming huts for one of the world’s coldest cities, these projects have been designed for increasingly extreme climates
From parks designed to mitigate the effects of flooding to warming huts for one of the world’s coldest cities, these projects have been designed for increasingly extreme climates
Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
To advertise in our catalogue gallery: call +44(0)1462 431385
features
features
cladkit product news
LYRA has a sleek, cylindrical design complete with an elegant brass dimming switch
LYRA, GAMA, MONA and ATHENA are the first pieces from designer Atelier Alain Ellouz’s new.édition collection of handcrafted stone lighting
...
LianTronics’ giant curved LED wall with stunning glasses-less 3D spaceship display effect has attracted many on the street of Chengdu,
...
The new winter design is finished with naturally occurring hexagonal patterns found in snowflakes
Siminetti unveils first glimpses of Mother of Pearl decorative surfaces inspired by the four seasons
Siminetti has collaborated with British designer Chrisanna London to create a luxury Mother of Pearl decorative surface range inspired by
...
cladkit product news
The compact plug-in product can be used easily in a commercial spa or domestic setting to disinfect surfaces with UV-C light
For over 30 years, ASPA International has designed and built high-quality spas for the hotel, health and wellness sectors. During
...
The dome aims to integrate technology with arts and culture
Christie® GS Series 1DLP® laser projectors are delivering vivid and lifelike visuals in a new dome theatre located in Xiong’an
...
cladkit product news
The design of the columns was inspired by the sea
After a two-year renovation, Oakland-based metal experts Móz Designs have unveiled their inclusion in Georgia Aquarium’s new shark gallery. Located
...
The new Experience Centre houses a 20m LED dome
Cosm, a global technology company that builds end-to-end solutions for immersive experiences, has unveiled its Experience Centre which houses a
...
