Chicago Spire's Formal Inspiration

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNI37ncgdXQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0]

Its a well known fact that world renowned architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava‘s formost teacher in design has been nature. Granted his approach isn’t very systematic like other examples we’ve seen in more progressive naturally-inspired projects, its still worth noting his patronage of the formal qualities and beauty inherent in nature. The Chicago Spire is no exception to this life-long inspiration, and although the whole project is up in the air due to investment and construction quarrels there is still much to learn from its design strategy…

Below are examples of Calatrava’s famous sketches marrying his inspiration from sea shells with the idea of a twisting silver tower.

Here’s another more disney-like promotional video, showing some of the interior spaces as well…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbQghQqrPfA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0]