Chase Tower vs Regions Center

Comparing the Chase Tower and the Regions Center is an interesting exercise, because even though they are located in different cities (Phoenix, AZ and Birmingham, AL), both were designed by Welton Becket & Associates and finished within in the same year. This gives us the chance to see how the same architect's ideas were expressed in different urban contexts almost simultaneously.

The Chase Tower is clearly the larger tower of the two, both in terms of height and number of floors. It rises to 482ft (147m) with 40 floors above ground, while the Regions Center reaches 390ft (119m) with 30 floors above ground.

Of course, each project may have faced different briefs or regulatory constraints, which we don't really know about and could also explain the outcome.

The Chase Tower was designed in the Modern style, while the Regions Center reflects the principles of International Style.

Both towers were built when their respective styles were already past their prime. This makes them feel more like late continuations rather than groundbreaking statements, showing how architectural traditions can linger even as tastes shift.

Both the Chase Tower and the Regions Center were designed to serve as commercial towers, and that has remained their main use since their completion, serving similar roles in the urban fabric.

The Regions Center also provides 390 parking spaces.

Both the Chase Tower and the Regions Center 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.