Why does the John Hancock Center have those big X shapes?
Posted on Oct 18, 2025 / Travel
The giant X-braces on the John Hancock Center aren’t just for looks—they’re part of the building’s structure. They help the skyscraper handle strong winds coming off Lake Michigan and make it more stable without needing as many interior columns. It’s an engineering trick that gives the inside more open space for apartments and offices. The design also made the building lighter and cheaper to build at the time. Plus, those Xs have become one of the building’s most recognizable features. It’s one of those “only in Chicago” designs that architects still talk about today.
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