July 2010
The Ledge, the exciting new observation deck at the Willis Tower in Chicago, has received two industry commendations.
The jewel-like viewing deck joins state-of-the-art glass technology with almost-invisible structural and mechanical systems. Its transparent bay windows give visitors a heart-racing lookout point. At 413m high, The Ledge’s glass boxes extend 1.5m from the skyscraper’s Skydeck on the 103rd floor, providing never-before-seen views of Chicago.
Halcrow Yolles provided full structural and glass engineering services for the project which was recognised as Jurors’ Favourite at the 2010 Excellence in Engineering Awards sponsored by the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois.
The Ledge was also a finalist in the Construction under US$10 million category at the recent Chicago Building Congress’s 2010 Merit Awards. The annual merit awards recognise outstanding projects in the Chicago area, and are part of the Congress’s aims to advance the art, science and technology of buildings.