Roger Fingas
A large crack recently appeared in one of the windows at Apple's Michigan Avenue store, and has not only gone unfixed but actually gotten bigger, photos show.
The crack — spanning multiple feet — has reportedly been present for several weeks. A new photo reveals that the crack is branching out, 9to5Mac observed on Monday.
The damage is unlikely to affect the structural integrity of the building, but could pose a safety hazard to shoppers or passersby if the glass shatters.
Apple has been keen to highlight the unusual design of Michigan Avenue, but the outlet became a subject of criticism early on when the company had to rope off surrounding areas to deal with falling ice and snow — a problem any building in Chicago should be equipped for. A spokesman blamed the issue on a malfunctioning warming system, and said the system was quickly reprogrammed.
Despite this, heating issues continue, 9to5Mac claims. When it works the system should melt ice and snow, allowing runoff to drain through internal support columns.
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34 Comments
It is Apple's fate to be held to a different standard compared with other tech companies and in this case other retail store companies.
Around the US and the world some shopping malls have structural problems. Some are in the process of being closed down with buildings / store fronts in disrepair.
During harsh winters the problem of falling ice is common with buildings in cities which experience such cold weather.
It's interesting how there is a vast audience for architecture news with stories which trash Apple for window cracks and the potential for falling ice.
Probably just Sir Jony Ive pushing design to new levels! Soon, all Iphones will come with an aesthetic crack which will then be copied by Android manufacturers!
If the building structure relies on the roof heating to deal with ice and snow, and then the system failed, will the structural components be designed to take the additional load without any consequences ?
Glass curtain walling would not normally be part of the structural integrity of the building. I have no knowledge of how much glass like this expands and contracts or how flexible the expansion joints could be. The Architects and Structural Engineers should have taken this all into consideration when designing the building.
If everything is properly designed and the loss of the roof heating was not critical then it might be an issue with just one glass window. If it is not a one off then that is possibly more significant and could required alterations to the design.
Slow news day? ;)