Tim Sengstock

In 1922 the Chicago Tribune announced the winner of the architectural competition for the new headquarters of the newspaper. Based on this famous competition the project tries to find a contemporary answer for what a state of the art building like this, should look like today. The architectural language and technology of the presence are the main parameters for its design. The building should be seen as a technical tool and not merely as a vertical conceptual playground.

The geometry of the oval is the base for a defined shape and internal zoning. It also optimizes the aerodynamics of the skyscraper. The natural airflow around the building is used for the natural ventilation of the offices.

The rectangular load bearing structure contains offices in the lower half and flats in the upper half of the building. This multifunctional mixture is also found in the Hancock Tower and has been used for over thirty years, being an integral part of its context.

The load-bearing structure rests 25m above street level on a steel tube construction. This allows the lobby to be seen as an extension of the plaza. The structure is a steel megastructure, the floors are hung from the technic levels.

The oval “shell” is hung from the “crown” of the building. The oval rings take horizontal wind loads to the core. The façade stands on the ovals rings of the shell. This allows the skin of the building to be rather slender in its expression.

SCHUNCK cannot guarantee the correctness of content and expression. The participants themselves are responsible for their entries. The copyright of the projects underlies to the authors, any reproduction or use of the shown material is strictly forbidden.