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Project

TILT at 360 Chicago

Visitors to Chicago’s fourth tallest building can test their nerves in an enclosed glass and steel movable platform that allows participants to angle away from the building.

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Project Details

Project Partners
Montparnasse 56 Group
Owner
John Hancock Observatory
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Completion Date
Project Awards

NCSEA, Other Structures, Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards, 2015

American Institute of Steel Construction, National Certificate of Recognition, 2015

tilt
TILT at 360 Chicago in Illinois. Courtesy 360 Chicago
tilt
TILT at 360 Chicago in Illinois. Courtesy 360 Chicago
Tilt
TILT at 360 Chicago in Illinois. Courtesy 360 Chicago
Tilt
TILT at 360 Chicago in Illinois. Courtesy 360 Chicago

Building a 1,000-foot Panorama

Visitors to Chicago’s fourth tallest building, 875 North Michigan Avenue, can test their nerves in TILT, an enclosed glass and steel movable platform that allows up to eight visitors to angle away from the building. At 1,000 feet, TILT gives thrill-seekers a look down on Chicago and a vista of Lake Michigan and four states.

We designed the structure and kinetic system for the platform. The project was completed in 2014.

Highlights

  • TILT comprises a stationary base and movable viewing platform of build-up steel sections.
  • Three overhead hydraulic actuators extend to pivot the platform 30 degrees beyond the face of the building.
  • The viewing window is several layers of reinforced, fully tempered glass panels.
  • A partial roof formed by reinforced glass protects the space from weather and debris.
  • Visitors have handrail grips on both sides and waistband for additional support as needed.
tilt Courtesy PixelPool
1,000 Feet Above Michigan Avenue

Our Team