10 & 30 South Wacker Drive

“The lighting design plays a key role in the architectural enhancement of this space. The view from the outside shows the lighting as a bold and graphic statement, while a closeup view shows the depth and gradation of the curved coves.” —Juror Joyce Hahn, Arup, Los Angeles

Designed by Fujikawa Johnson & Associates and completed in 1983, the 10 & 30 South Wacker office complex on the Chicago River consists of two 40-story towers connected by a 10-story central tower. As part of a recent renovation, a new 24-foot-tall, curved glass façade flows around the lobby of each building. Corresponding interior lighting by Washington, D.C.-based George Sexton Associates echoes the new façade’s form, spanning 2,700 linear feet of cove lighting and an additional 1,000 linear feet of wall grazing.

The main design challenge was identifying a fixture system capable of curving on two axes while meeting stringent energy code requirements. The designers created a custom semi-recessed adjustable fixture that is trim-less so that it integrates seamlessly with the new custom ceramic ceiling, while meeting “Chicago Plenum” requirements. Indirect lighting from the architectural coves is not only decorative but also provides general illumination for these public spaces. Wall grazing was also added in the elevator lobbies to further highlight the ceramic walls while maintaining a consistent effect.

courtesy Hall + Merrick Photographers
The ceramic ceiling unfolds towards the welcome desk and curved glass façade outside with the adjacent tower beyond.

courtesy Hall + Merrick Photographers
The lobby features a curved glass façade, a staggered layout of adjustables, and recessed cove lighting, following the curves of the architecture.

courtesy Hall + Merrick Photographers
The lobby features complex ceramic ceiling and walls, expressing the transition into the elevator lobbies where it changes to a wall-grazing detail.

courtesy Hall + Merrick Photographers
Exterior views of the lobby show the lighting coves continuing from the walls to the ceiling while widening upward to the glass façade.

Details
Project Name: 10 & 30 South Wacker Drive
Location: Chicago
Client/Owner: Tishman Speyer Properties
Lighting Designer: George Sexton Associates, Marie Seeland, Olga Stroubos
Architect: Krueck Sexton Partners
Structural Engineer: Thornton Thomasetti
Mechanical Engineer: Environmental Systems Design
Photographer: Hall + Merrick Photographers

Project Size: 52,194 square feet
Project Cost: $56 million
Lighting Cost: N/A
Watts per Square Foot: 0.55 (normal lighting); 0.65 (avg) (decorative); 0.36 (exterior)
Code Compliance: ASHRAE 2013
Lighting Product Manufacturers: Tempo Lighting, Litelab, Bega, Optic Arts