Adrian Smith
Adrian Smith
Burj Khalifa. Photo by Nick Merrick & Hedrich Blessing
Chicago Architecture Center renovation by Smith + Gill
Born in Chicago on August 19, 1944, Adrian Smith is the force behind some of the world’s most jaw-dropping skyscrapers. With a degree in architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago (Class of ’69), Smith has spent his career redefining what’s possible in the world of design.
Smith kicked off his legendary career at Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM) where he was responsible for the vision and design of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai—currently the world’s tallest building. Not only does the structure exemplify Smith’s expertise in high-rise design, but it is also a feat of engineering genius. The fluctuating three-petal design of the building is visually stunning and purposeful. In breaking up the wind, this design saves the building, and its occupants, from experiencing the effect of what’s called vortex shedding—an unsettling building vibration caused by the wind.
In 2006, Smith co-founded Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG), with a focus on sustainable, energy-efficient buildings that are as eco-friendly as they are stunning. Their projects include everything from soaring skyscrapers like the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, a current project that aims to be the tallest building in the world, to our own Chicago Architecture Center, a 20,000 square foot museum serving as an introduction to the city’s beautiful skyline.
