HONOR
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
Chicago, Illinois
| Architect: | Kajima Associates Inc. |
| Client/Owner: | Mitsui & Co. (USA) |
| General Contractor: | Kajima Construction Services Inc. |
| Consultants: | Kroeschell Engineering |
| Photographer: | Don DuBroff Photography |
The 52nd floor of the Amoco Building offered dramatic views of Lake Michigan, Grant Park and North Michigan Avenue. The client desired a non-competitive, nurturing space, so there are limited private offices on the perimeter. This allows the open office areas to benefit from the building's panoramic views. To avoid competing with the 'art' of Chicago's natural and man-made landscapes, architectural drama was limited to the lobby and the elevator lobby. Both share the same floor and wall materials, and the wood shoji -like automatic sliding doors simultaneously mark a boundary, but allow for space to flow through them. Other materials include marble floor and wall tiles, and anigre figured wood paneling. A pair of carved glass panels depicts the six major continents, which reflects this Japanese trading firm's international business, and the growing global market."I like the sliding doors and other details. The plan is an elegant project that reflects the culture of the business." -Jury Comment
