875 North Michigan Avenue, formerly and famously known as the John Hancock Center, stands as a testament to architectural innovation. This iconic skyscraper, a product of the visionary collaboration between architect Bruce Graham and structural engineer Fazlur Khan, revolutionized urban design as the world’s first mixed-use tower. Its enduring design principles continue to influence SOM’s leadership across diverse design disciplines.
© Dave Burk | SOM
Affectionately nicknamed “Big John” by locals, the John Hancock Tower strategically graces North Michigan Avenue, a prestigious Chicago locale brimming with apartments, upscale shops, corporate offices, luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, and esteemed art galleries. This vibrant mix of urban elements inspired the initial concept of two separate towers – a 70-story residential building and a 45-story office building. However, placing two towers on the site presented challenges concerning space efficiency, privacy, and natural light access for both structures. Furthermore, street-level apartments would have faced significant noise pollution. The ingenious solution was to consolidate these functions into a single, unified tower, positioning offices on the lower levels and apartments on the more tranquil upper floors.
The John Hancock Tower’s distinctive tapered form is not merely aesthetic; it’s a functional response to evolving spatial needs throughout the building’s vertical ascent. The broader base accommodates the expansive entrance and commercial zones. As the tower rises, the floor space gradually diminishes to suit clusters of smaller apartments at mid-height. Finally, the uppermost levels feature larger apartments, where less space is needed for service areas that benefit from artificial lighting, perfectly aligning form with function in this architectural masterpiece.
© Dave Burk | SOM
© Dave Burk | SOM
“The John Hancock Center isn’t just important to Chicago; it’s important to city skylines across the world. When it was completed 50 years ago, it changed what architects and engineers thought was possible.”
Jesse Dukes, WBEZ Chicago
John Hancock Tower Aerial View Chicago
John Hancock Tower at Dusk
John Hancock Tower Urban Context
John Hancock Tower Night Illumination
John Hancock Tower City Lights
© Dave Burk | SOM
© Dave Burk | SOM
© Dave Burk | SOM
In conclusion, the John Hancock Tower, an early example of mixed-use vertical development, remains a globally recognized architectural landmark. Its innovative design and structural ingenuity have not only redefined the Chicago skyline but have also left an indelible mark on skyscraper design worldwide, inspiring generations of architects and engineers.
