2400 Lakeview Apartments vs 900-910 North Lake Shore

Comparing the 2400 Lakeview Apartments and the 900-910 North Lake Shore is particularly interesting because they share the same skyline in Chicago, IL, and were both designed by Mies van der Rohe. However, they were completed more than 7 years apart.

This offers a unique perspective on how the architect's style and the city's architecture evolved over time.

Both the 2400 Lakeview Apartments and the 900-910 North Lake Shore were designed in line with the aesthetic conventions of the International Style style.

At the time, this style was at the height of its popularity. So Mies van der Rohe followed what was in many ways expected at the time, producing designs that fit comfortably within contemporary architectural norms rather, than breaking with convention.

Both the 2400 Lakeview Apartments and the 900-910 North Lake Shore were designed to serve as residential towers, and that has remained their main use since their completion, serving similar roles in the urban fabric.

In terms of capacity, the 2400 Lakeview Apartments offers 264 apartments, while the 900-910 North Lake Shore provides 524 units.

Both the 2400 Lakeview Apartments and the 900-910 North Lake Shore rely on a Frame structural system.

A frame structure uses a grid of columns and beams to carry the building's loads. This frees the walls from structural duties, allowing for flexible floor plans and larger windows.

They also employ the same type of facade, a Curtain Wall facade.

A curtain wall is a non-load-bearing facade hung from the structural frame. It is anchored to floor slabs and transfers only its own weight and wind loads, allowing for sleek, glassy exteriors.