Gordon Gill, FAIA
Partner
Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill Architecture
Gordon Gill FAIA, a founding partner of award-winning Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG), is one of the world’s foremost exponents of performance-based architecture. Ranging from the world’s tallest buildings to sustainable communities, his work is driven by his philosophy that there is a purposeful relationship between formal design and performance; and that there is a Language of Performance, which is the basis of his practice: Form Follows Performance. His approach is based on an ecologically conscious philosophy that sets new standards for the relationships between the built and natural environment.
Gordon’s work includes the design of the world’s first net zero-energy skyscraper, the Pearl River Tower in Guangzhou, China (designed at SOM Chicago); the world’s first large-scale positive energy building, Masdar Headquarters, in Abu Dhabi; the next world’s tallest tower, Jeddah Tower in Jeddah Saudi Arabia; and most recently the design of Astana Expo 2017 and its sustainable legacy community for Astana, Kazakhstan and Al Wasl Plaza, the open space for the centerpiece of Expo 2020 Dubai, featuring an intricate domed trellis that will be the world’s largest immersive projection experience. Gordon also designs smaller iconic cultural spaces like the recently completed The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Chicago Architecture Center, and the Steppenwolf Theatre Campus Expansion all in Chicago.
These landmark projects pursue energy independence by harnessing the power of natural forces on site and striking a balance with their environmental contexts. Gordon has been published extensively and has exhibited, lectured, and taught widely in the U.S. and internationally. His designs have repeatedly been recognized and awarded by the American Institute of Architects and Architectural Institutions around the world.
Prior to founding AS+GG in 2006, Gordon was an Associate Partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and a Director of Design for VOA Associates.
Gordon’s work includes the design of the world’s first net zero-energy skyscraper, the Pearl River Tower in Guangzhou, China (designed at SOM Chicago); the world’s first large-scale positive energy building, Masdar Headquarters, in Abu Dhabi; the next world’s tallest tower, Jeddah Tower in Jeddah Saudi Arabia; and most recently the design of Astana Expo 2017 and its sustainable legacy community for Astana, Kazakhstan and Al Wasl Plaza, the open space for the centerpiece of Expo 2020 Dubai, featuring an intricate domed trellis that will be the world’s largest immersive projection experience. Gordon also designs smaller iconic cultural spaces like the recently completed The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Chicago Architecture Center, and the Steppenwolf Theatre Campus Expansion all in Chicago.
These landmark projects pursue energy independence by harnessing the power of natural forces on site and striking a balance with their environmental contexts. Gordon has been published extensively and has exhibited, lectured, and taught widely in the U.S. and internationally. His designs have repeatedly been recognized and awarded by the American Institute of Architects and Architectural Institutions around the world.
Prior to founding AS+GG in 2006, Gordon was an Associate Partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and a Director of Design for VOA Associates.