The Skydeck Experience at Willis Tower

Immersive interactive technologies raise the bar for visitor experience at the country’s highest observation deck.

Download Profile

INTRODUCTION

One hundred and three floors separate the two elements of an amazing experience in one of the world’s tallest buildings, but together they tell the story of Chicago in a way that is engaging, memorable and breath-taking.

Skydeck Chicago sits on the 103rd floor of the iconic Willis Tower giving visitors stunning views over the world-famous skyline of the Windy City. Owners EQ Office embarked on an extensive redevelopment of the experience to enhance the space, with new interactive digital installations and a museum on the lower level. Together, they immerse visitors in Chicago’s story in a uniquely inspiring way.

Electrosonic, in partnership with Chicago Scenic Studios, Thinc Design and Squint/Opera, was responsible for engineering and integrating complex LED, projection and distributed audio systems throughout the newly renovated Skydeck Chicago experience.

 

OVERVIEW

The Skydeck Experience begins on the lower level with an immersive, interactive museum. ‘Origins’ tells the story of Chicago’s formative years through soundbites, animation, motion graphics, lighting effects, video, physical models and special effects.

The spectacular ‘Fly through Architecture’ display is a 14 feet x 8 feet LED wall that takes visitors on a dizzying tour of Chicago’s architectural skyline. In the ‘L Train’ exhibit, passengers ‘visit’ eight districts created by video and CGI effects displayed on the windows.

A distributed audio system plays background music and special announcements, while digital signage with a custom interface provides easily updated visitor information.

The multi-projector ‘Map Wall’ exhibit showcases the urban playground of Chicago, augmented by in-depth information communicated through animated data.

Up on the 103rd floor, the main attraction is the stunning cityscape and ‘The Ledge’ – a glass balcony projecting from the building. To enhance the experience, 6 interactive displays and informative videos engage the audience. A motion graphic animation tells the story of ‘The Ledge’. There are ‘Social Media’ columns where visitors can post their thoughts and an interactive ‘Sequin Wall’ where visitors can create drawings or messages.

CHALLENGE

EQ Offices wanted to reimagine the attractions and create a world-class visitor center that would inform, educate, entertain and thrill. Designed by Thinc Design and media by Squint/ Opera, the team needed an integrator with experience in complex AV systems to bring the creative vision to life of an interactive, immersive environment featuring many different technologies. The project had to be completed within an aggressive schedule to meet the opening date, with the additional pressure of complying with COVID restrictions.

SOLUTION

Electrosonic collaborated with the partners to turn the concept into reality within a tight window through effective project management. The solutions drew on Electrosonic’s expertise in display technology and audio. ‘Origins’, for example, featured ultra-short-throw lenses and blended projection that required thorough engineering. The project highlighted Electrosonic’s ability to fuse architecture, storytelling with technology.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Skydeck Experience is now a must-see destination for Chicago residents and visitors, and one of Tripadvisor’s Top Ten attractions of the city. The immersive, interactive experience on both floors complements the star attraction – the spectacular views and the thrill of ‘The Ledge’. And, it meets the owners’ vision of a venue that celebrates Chicago’s proud heritage while informing and entertaining visitors of all ages, backgrounds and locations.

Project Details

Client
EQ Offices
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Size
45,000 sq.ft
Services
Build & System Integration
Digital Communications & Media Walls
Specialty Projection
Audio & Acoustics
Content Distribution
Detailed Engineering
Project Management
Commissioning & Programming
Media Management
Electrosonic brings a deep skillset in terms of technical skills and firm resources; so they have the chops to get the job done.
Blasko Ristic
President, Chicago Scenic Studios
Sky Walk 103 stories up, visitors can step outside the Willis Tower for the ultimate view of the Chicago skyline.
Fly Chicago A massive curved projection solution provides a panoramic view of Chicago as visitors experience the sensation of flying through the iconic skyline.
Virtual Tour Visitors ‘tour’ famous Chicago neighborhoods in a replica L train, with LED displays and audio solutions bringing that ride to life through the floor and carriage windows.

MORE PROJECTS

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Stunning audiovisual technology celebrates the arts, sciences and artists of moviemaking. Learn More
Alif - The Mobility Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai Innovative technology on a massive scale tells the story of mobility in the most ambitious Expo pavilion ever. Learn More
AT&T Dolphin Tales at Georgia Aquarium An inspiring theatrical production starring Atlantic bottlenose dolphins is thrilling and amazing visitors at the newly-expanded Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Learn More
Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre History meets Hollywood as motion capture immerses visitors in 700 year old battle scenes. Learn More
Being Brunel Museum This unique approach to a tremendous historical life has helped establish Being Brunel as the leading attraction in Bristol’s busy harbor area. Learn More
Beyond Rubik's Cube Technology takes an iconic 1980s puzzle on a global tour to engage a new generation. Learn More
Biomuseo Telling the compelling story of extraordinary biodiversity in one of the world’s most iconic museums. Learn More
Brooklyn Botanical Garden Creating a multi-sensory window on the sights, sounds and fragrances of an amazing garden. Learn More
Byrnes Health Education Center Interactive audiovisual solutions teach children healthcare in a fun, engaging way. Learn More
Canada Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai An innovative 360° theater experience showcases Canada’s ability to solve future global challenges. Learn More
Canada's Sports Hall of Fame Inspiring and engaging sports fans with an immersive, interactive experience and innovative technology. Learn More
Canadian Museum for Human Rights Multi-sensory experiential technology inspires visitors to think about human rights in new ways. Learn More
CHAOS #501 at the Gagosian Gallery A unique digital art experience showcases 1000 digitized objects with precise rendition. Learn More
Dinosaur Hall at the Natural History Museum Innovative technology shifts time over 180 million years to bring the age of dinosaurs to life. Learn More
Dover Wartime Tunnels Technology keeps the memory of soldiers’ sacrifice alive in a realistic moving way. Learn More
Exhibitionism - The Rolling Stones Touring Exhibition High-energy audio visual puts some rock and roll into the Rolling Stones exhibition. Learn More
EXPO 2010 Shanghai Visitors flocking to the Information & Communications Pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai China get a taste of cutting-edge Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Learn More
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center Electrosonic shows that technology is not limited by location and can be used to tell your story no matter where you are. Learn More
FlyOver Iceland Pre-Show Experience Advanced experience technologies recreate the atmosphere, sights and stories of Iceland’s ancient origins. Learn More
Future Energy Chicago at the Museum of Science & Industry Challenging audiences in a museum exhibit that looks to the future, not the past. Learn More
Heroes and Legends at The Kennedy Space Center The awe-inspiring story of ‘Heroes and Legends’ along with the Astronaut Hall of Fame adds another dimension to the space program presentation at the Kennedy Space Center. Learn More
Horniman Museum World Gallery Audio visual and interactive experiences bring global cultural objects to life in a small museum. Learn More
Idaho State Museum Idaho State Museum sets the visitor experience alight with an award-winning show-stopping recreation of the past. Learn More
Illuminarium Technology creates a state-of-the-art reprogrammable immersive theater in a sensory space of 360º sight, sound and scale. Learn More
Imperial War Museums Second World War & Holocaust Galleries Electrosonic’s technology design helps set new standards for the presentation of complex and emotional subjects. Learn More
Independence Visitor Center Technology with a personal touch transforms visitor experience and creates a compelling gateway to local destinations. Learn More
International Spy Museum Technology uncovers the tradecraft, tools and impact of espionage through interactive experiences in a real spy role. Learn More
LKAB Visitor Center The presentation system at the LKAB visitor center both enhances the visit and leaves a very good impression with the visitors. Learn More
Madame Tussauds, Orlando A state-of-the-art LED video wall breathes excitement into the world’s most iconic wax museum. Learn More
Mars: The Next Giant Leap at the Carnegie Science Center Experiential technology takes visitors to new worlds, creating excitement and inspiration about the future for humanity. Learn More
Mascot Hall of Fame A Mascot Hall of Fame — why you might ask? In Whiting, Indiana? Where! That’s the next question. Mascots are fun, but the supporters who cheer them are usually very tribal. Learn More
Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai Multimedia and interactive technologies help compel visitors to build a commitment to changing living conditions around the world. Learn More
Museum of the American Revolution Three hundred years on, the Museum immerses visitors in the sounds, events and experiences that drove the American colonies to revolution. Learn More
Museum of the Bible Hollywood called it ‘the greatest story ever told’ in their portrayal of the New Testament — the Museum of the Bible goes further to tell the whole story in a museum of biblical proportions. Learn More
Museum of the Moving Image AV Upgrade Showcases the History and the Future of Moving Images. Learn More
National Comedy Center So, why did the chicken cross the road? Living in Jamestown, it was probably heading for the National Comedy Center to find out why chickens are the butt of so many jokes. Learn More
National Maritime Museum Go down again to the ‘lonely sea and the sky’ with dramatic soundscapes and innovative audio visual. Learn More
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame A 360⁰ immersive theatre and interactivity bring visitors into the heart of Thoroughbred racing. Learn More
National September 11 Memorial & Museum Telling a compelling, sensitive story of an event that changed history. Learn More
National World War I Museum and Memorial The National World War I Museum and Memorial in Missouri, tells the story of The Great War and related global events from 1914 through the 1919 Paris Peace Conference. Learn More
New Jersey Hall of Fame Electrosonic helps New Jersey Hall of Fame commemorate legendary and everyday heroes through implementing audiovisual technology to immerse visitors into the experience. Learn More
New-York Historical Society Museum & Library The New-York Historical Society Museum & Library, which explores the political, cultural and social history of New York, underwent a three-year, $70-million renovation. Learn More
Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center Recreating the inspirational story of a 19th century struggle for today’s generation. Learn More
One World Observatory A room with a view and a high-speed immersive experience to capture the imagination. Learn More
Parliamentarium Electrosonic worked with architects, designers and content producers to create engaging, immersive, interactive audio visual experiences at Parlamentarium. Learn More
Parliamentary Education Centre Immersive, interactive technology turns day-to-day politics into an engaging digital experience for the European Parliament. Learn More
Polynesian Cultural Center's Digital 4D Theater The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) in Laie, Hawaii, enables visitors to explore all of the Polynesian cultures in the South Pacific. Learn More
Revealed: The Hunt for Bin Laden Immersive technologies and sophisticated projection blending and mapping techniques bring a dramatic manhunt to life. Learn More
Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre Exceptional audio visual design brings the world’s largest museum to life in Kuwait. Learn More
Space Shuttle Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex The experience of Space Shuttle Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex boldly goes where no exhibition had gone before. Learn More
Stonehenge Visitor Centre Immersive technology takes visitors back 5000 years to the heart of an ancient monument. Learn More
Summit One Vanderbilt An immersive, multi-sensory observation deck experience, where technology adds a new dimension to stunning cityscapes. Learn More
The Ahmed Al Jaber Oil & Gas Exhibition The Ahmed Al Jaber Oil & Gas Exhibition aims to show where oil is produced and its importance to the economy and the products that are derived from both oil and gas. Learn More
The Claudia and Nelson Peltz Social Lab at the Museum of Tolerance An immersive museum experience features advanced technologies to engage audiences and promote tolerance. Learn More
The Engine Shed, Historic Environment Scotland Historic Environment Scotland (HES) – Scotland’s lead public body charged with caring for, protecting and promoting the historic environment. Learn More
The First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank Immersive, interactive technologies and complex project mapping celebrate the birth of radio astronomy. Learn More
The Hunger Games: The Exhibition Following the huge worldwide success of the blockbuster Hunger Games movie franchise, Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: The Exhibition has opened its global tour at Discovery Times Square, New York City. Learn More
The Lockkeeper’s House Technology and history meet in an interactive, immersive experience that creates a snapshot in time. Learn More
The Marvel Experience The Marvel Experience is an immersive touring attraction produced by Hero Ventures that provides Marvel fans with the opportunity to become agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in training. Learn More
The Museum of Broadway Immersive, interactive experiences set the stage for a celebration of Broadway’s rich heritage. Learn More
The National Holocaust Centre and Museum The National Holocaust Centre and Museum aimed to capture individual testimonies, secure artifacts and gather historical information, to bear witness to the atrocities of the Holocaust. Learn More
The Sailing Museum Cutting-edge interactive technology puts visitors’ sailing skills to the test in a thrilling, fun-packed, hands-on experience. Learn More
The Science History Institute Technology and storytelling come together to engage and inspire scientists and the community. Learn More
The Skydeck Experience at Willis Tower Immersive interactive technologies raise the bar for visitor experience at the country’s highest observation deck. Learn More
Typhoon Theatre at the Maritime Experiential Museum The Typhoon Theater has proved a popular attraction, creating a sense of exploration and adventure through imagination and creativity. Learn More
View Boston An interactive, multi-floor observation deck experience where accessible technology connects visitors to the city. Learn More

Engage With Us

Let us bring your vision to life.

Let's talk