Gemstone-inspired design

With its form and structure inspired by fluorite’s crystalline shapes, Jeanne Gang’s visionary concept for the Residences at St. Regis – Vista Tower lights up Chicago’s skyline. Located in the Lakeshore East neighborhood facing majestic Lake Michigan, this innovative tower with its 101 floors of pure avant-garde inspiration, developed by Magellan Development Group and built by bKL Architecture, is a work of engineering excellence.

“We use ordinary materials,” says Gang, “to create extraordinary buildings.” The unique structure comprising three interconnected towers and a suspended central stem is enveloped by glass facades that transform the building into a mirror of light and shadow.

Residential amenities include panoramic terraces, an open-air pool, a conference center, a private viewing room and a golf lounge. The entire project was informed by nature and inspired by fluorites and sapphires. “We explored the fundamental splendor found in nature by examining crystals, minerals and gems … which then informed our design decision to write a story behind each finish package. The overarching narrative is a perceptive response to location, architecture and overall vision,” says HBA Los Angeles Partner Kathleen Dauber. “This project is built upon craftsmanship and a shared aspiration to achieve the extraordinary. We are quite proud to be a part of it.”

The four housing types are based on four design palettes, each identified with a gem’s essence. The brilliance and intensity of sapphire is translated into hues of indigo offset by Italian white lacquer cabinets, Montclair Danby marble counters and monochrome marble bathrooms.

Finally, the vibrant energy of fluorite crystals is transposed into fine materials like walnut wood, golden quartzite and bronze fixtures. In this rare marriage between a stepped façade and clean interior lines, HBA Los Angeles’ design brings Studio Gang’s contemporary vision, And its delicate perception of mother nature, inside the homes.