a+t architecture publishers

SOM’s website states that the John Hancock Center is the “world’s first mixed-use (hybrid) high-rise”. We do not know if this assertion is in fact accurate, but we do not really mind. There are some other facts we find more relevant: this 433 metres, 100-storey tower contains offices, retail, housing, parking, a TV and radio broadcast facility and a public observatory with the best views of Chicago (we include some of them in the post).

The collaboration between architect Bruce Graham and engineer Fazlur Khan resulted in a structural tube of perimeter pillars and exterior diagonals. This system reduced the amount of steel necessary to raise the building and its tapered shape allows for a better distribution of uses inside, where the distance between floors diminishes with height.

Photos taken by Javier Arpa, available under request.

Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (S.O.M.)
John Hancock Center
875 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611, USA 1970