This week’s episode of “How Did They Build That?” features the story of Chicago’s Aqua tower and includes a cameo by MKA President Dave Eckmann!
Titled “Subways & Sightlines,” the episode describes the tower as a sculptural high-rise with rippling balconies breaking the mold in Chicago.
The structure’s cantilevered balconies variably extend as much as 12 feet to create a visually unique “rippling” effect throughout the tower’s 87 stories. MKA’s design incorporates advanced structural analysis and column-hung flying formwork to achieve this unique and visually stunning effect, resulting in 70 distinct floor slab conditions using slabs just nine inches thick.
Learn more when the episode airs this Sunday, October 6, at 9 p.m. on the Smithsonian Channel and Paramount+.