wow, there are going to be some really tall bldgs around the world over next decade. The 124storey Fordham Spire will be one of them at 610m high.last week given approval.

roof=488m/1600ft

thanks to str & spyguy

elevation
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/1595/f30ur.png

plan
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/9413/f23kj.png

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/1633/f77.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/7361/f73.jpg

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/5084/fordhamhighres2dr.jpg

I’m a big Santiago Calatrava fan, but this is based more on his non-scraper works. Check out his web-site (http://www.calatrava.com). I must say that I am not so sure about the corkscrew shape but given that this one of the most outstanding architects of our time – of which his completed works are living proof - I will give it the benefit of the doubt.

When is he going to do a Sydney project? We’ve already been blessed with a a few Renzo and Sir Norm jobs.

it looks a lot like the the mystery proposal chanel 7 accounced for the powerstation site in melbourne.

just awesome
http://images.snapfish.com/346579%3B72%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D3233593%3B899%3B5nu0mrj

IMHO the design doesn't suit the Chicago skyline. The height's about right though, it balances the skyline a bit and gives a focal point.

Balances the skyline a bit?

Chicago is just a mass of millions of buildings - a lot like NYC, with 3-5 pie-in-the-sky buildings. Its ugly and horrible and creates such a disturbing un-even effect.

And hell Sears dominates the skyline already, as does the Hancock centre and that Oil building.... dont need another 'pie in the sky' ugly monstrosity.

As for Calatrava, I think his designs are hrroible.... there too futuristic for me and im a fairly modern person. They look like they came out of Star Wars or something. Its shocking - tell the guy to wait till 2835AD. If the earth still exists then or the Nazis have taken over....

This is the building that should replace the WTC. Its absolutely fantastic.

Yeah it looks awesome. Chicago is very lucky to get this one, it will be a memorable skyscraper and it is so much better than any other super tall proposal in my opinion. The fact that a lot of people aren't fond of it just makes it more interesting. It will only enhance an already spectacular skyline.

Great design ... gonna be a hard one to build tho.

It looks too different imo.

I think it's top banana!

It stands out, but that's because everything around it is so boring, so making this boring to suit would be conformity of the worst sort. They can make everything else better to suit this instead!

I'd like one for the coast, somebody get Calatrava down here!:)

Having said that, the building would have been better if the glass continued all the way to the tip covering the spire. But still, it is fabbo.

It stands out in that render because they put a fully lit version of the tower in a night shot of the city. :)

This should turn out a lot better than the render once it's built.

I love it. It gives the Chicago skyline something it doesn't already have. Why just build more of the same?

I think that this is the best looking supertall approved/UC ATM. Can't wait to see the final product if built!

looks interesting

it will take them ages to build it though. very complicated

lozza

Chicagoans are so lucky!


Trump (U/C):

http://img316.imageshack.us/img316/8690/trump12tx.jpg

Waterview (U/C):

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/554/6324waterview_tower.jpg

Fordham (approved):

http://images.snapfish.com/346579%3B72%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3238%3E868%3E492%3EWSNRCG%3D3233593%3B899%3B5nu0mrj

Mandarin Oriental (still uncertain):

http://images.suntimes.com/popups/FTR/images/mandarin_032106_285.jpg

I love the corn dont u.

Simply Amazing, looks like a twisted taller version of the Transamerica tower in SF!

isnt it amazing how since 9/11 that the world has gone crazy with supertalls, exact opposite of what most people thought would happen after collapse of wtc.
die osama die.

How strikingly unimaginative - but at least it's better than anything Dubai or China can offer...what is this - the (B)anal Games? Blabby used to "design" towers like that when blabby was a kid with lego and scrabble pieces! Sorry, but blabby is old school...

oh blabby.
Burj Dubai is numero uno atm. not only height but design. its a champion.

How strikingly unimaginative - but at least it's better than anything Dubai or China can offer...what is this - the (B)anal Games? Blabby used to "design" towers like that when blabby was a kid with lego and scrabble pieces! Sorry, but blabby is old school...

I tend to agree. It's not bad but it's a bit ordinary. Many people just think height alone = brilliance.

BUT, Santiago Calatrave is one of the world's most amazing architects. He didnt' get his fame from skyscrapers and most of his buildings are brilliant. I'm only basing my underwhelmed opinion on some full height renders and models - nothing from up close, and maybe at street level his undoubted brilliance will shine through.

that looks like an epic monument, fuck i cant wait to see that

I just hate twisting towers, they're overrated IMO and I hope it's just a passing fad. I'm so sick of them just like I'm sick of Gehry. My message to Calatrava; get back to basics fella.

The building thats really thin is amazing ! Its would look pretty cool in Melbourne ! i love really thin buildings like that, the thin effect makes them look way taller than they really are :)

cheers

lozza

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/554/6324waterview_tower.jpg

Nifty Building, really do like that, but it's going to be a very tricky design to make reality. I feel sorry for the builders already! Every floorplate will be different.

http://images.suntimes.com/popups/FTR/images/mandarin_032106_285.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/554/6324waterview_tower.jpg

So uniform! Can anyone really tell the difference? I cannae!

It takes some getting using to, but I'd let it go ahead.

I like the spire itself.

This would look nice in Melbourne. Can anyone do a pic of the Melbourne skyline with Fordham Spire in it?

Looks unreal. Do you think the Yanks are trying to boost their confidence and not to lag behind Asia and Dubai in terms of building the world's highest?

Amazing design.. different from the rest of boxy style of Chicago buildings...

Wow what a design! Very unusual yet appropriate in Chicago. Something different indeed.
Is this one definitely going ahead?

It looks like a thread extractor- but in a good way! :)