Do you think supertalls will return to Chicago? Would you like to design a tall building for Chicago? Many of your firm’s projects are supertall buildings in other cities. If you were not an architect, what would you be? Not just the architecture but also being around creative clients that have great passion and a wonderful sense of humor. We are also currently working on two theater projects, which I really enjoy. Developing designs and guidelines for the execution of districts and cities is very rewarding. Our master plan work for new developments and cities is also very important to our vision for sustainable environments.
#Adrian smith architect full
We are currently working on everything from supertall low-carbon towers to adaptive reuse projects which I thoroughly enjoy-primarily because much of the work is in uncharted territory and it demands the full process of analysis, design and delivery of the projects including procurement strategies and innovative system designs. I like working on a range of project types and scales.
What project have you enjoyed working on most during your career thus far? We recently sat down with Gordon to learn more about his work. In 2009 Gordon was selected as Chicago’s Best Emerging Architect by the Chicago Reader, and in 2013 he was elected to the College of Fellows at the American Institute of Architects. His designs have repeatedly been recognized by the American Institute of Architects. Gordon’s work also includes performing arts centers, museums and urban master plans.
These landmark projects strike a balance with their environmental contexts while still pursuing energy independence by harnessing the power of natural forces on site. Gordon’s work includes the design of the world’s first net zero-energy skyscraper, the Pearl River Tower in Guangzhou, China (designed when he was with SOM) the world’s tallest building, Kingdom Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and most recently the design of Astana Expo 2017 and its sustainable legacy community for Astana, Kazakhstan. Prior to founding AS+GG in 2006, Gordon was an Associate Partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and a Director of Design for VOA Associates. He and Adrian Smith are responsible for a staggeringly large number of the world’s supertall skyscrapers. Gordon Gill is a founding partner of the award-winning Chicago firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG).