lakefront location to pacific presence
in collaboration with: Aashritha Jaladi, Isabelle Stratton, Kruti Makwana
Iconic Chicago skyscraper Aqua Tower is placed in a completely different climatic context for the purpose of this project. Using Climate Studio (in Rhino/Grasshopper), climate-responsive design strategies are evaluated for solar exposure, daylighting, and passive thermal design. In the newly selected context of San Diego, California, actionable changes are extracted and built upon to iteratively improve the design.
By integrating responses to local conditions, the new proposal shifts from a flowing natural form into a staggered one that considers the orientation, energy, thermal comfort, among others, and offers a scenic view of the San Diego bay.
Finding a new site for Aqua Tower
The new site was selected based on a range of features. Firstly, a location in the Central Business District was selected for its proximity to other high rise structures and distance from the airport. A moderately dense neighbornood was chosen close to Pacific highway. A relatively flat site was selected in terms of topographical variation. An initial orientation was selected as exposing South and West facades would take advantage of the prevailing wind direction (based on an initial climate analysis). Views were also taken into account, noting the vistas of the Pacific Ocean on the West and Bilboa Park on the East.
Reimagining the structure
Dynamic shading
In the original Aqua Tower, the curvature of the balconies is determined by sightline optimization utilizing topographic mapping. Through this method, the protruding levels maximize summer shading, while allowing for wind vertices to be broken up — a necessary feat in the Windy City.
In the case of the reimagined Aqua Tower, similar principles were followed to use the protruding balcuny curves as a means of passive cooling. The depths of each balcony were parametrically optimized by using the simulated energy data from the study.
In the original Aqua Tower, the curvature of the balconies is determined by sightline optimization utilizing topographic mapping. Through this method, the protruding levels maximize summer shading, while allowing for wind vertices to be broken up — a necessary feat in the Windy City.
In the case of the reimagined Aqua Tower, similar principles were followed to use the protruding balcuny curves as a means of passive cooling. The depths of each balcony were parametrically optimized by using the simulated energy data from the study.
Energy Performance Booklet
Exhibition panel
Aqua Tower reimagined - a collection of climatic interventions
connect !
© 2026 Julia Twardzisz