Some insurance companies may call their home one of the most remarkable masterpieces of architecture. Incredibly futuristic, classic or super eco-friendly, these buildings are true works of art. Here are the ten most impressive head offices of insurance companies, according to the selection of Property Casualty 360.
Willis Tower, Chicago
Chicago's iconic black skyscraper in a traditional style houses the headquarters of Willis Group Holdings. The building was originally called Sears Tower, but the insurer who rented part of it also acquired the rights to the name in 2009. The 110-storey Willis Tower was actually the tallest building in the world from 1974 to 1998, when her championship was taken from the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Chicago skyscraper is currently the seventh tallest architectural creation in the world after the Burj Khalifa, Tokyo Sky Tree, Abraj Al Bait Towers, Canton Tower, CN Tower and Ostankino TV Tower.
State Farm, Bloomington, Illinois
The design of the state farm of the state farm is a model of pure modernism. The 12-storey building was built in 1972, together with two connected four-storey buildings. Later in 1987, two more four-storey buildings were added to the complex.
Aon Center, Chicago
When completed in 1974, the Aon Center was the tallest building in Chicago, earning it the nickname "Big Stan". V-shaped steel trusses were used to build the third tallest skyscraper in the United States. This is the same method by which the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York were made, which can explain the similar appearance of the two buildings in a traditional style. Until 1999, the name of the tower was Standard Oil Building, when it was renamed Aon Center.
Lloyd’s, London
In stark contrast to its status as the oldest insurer, Lloyd’s owns one of the most futuristic power plants on the list. The building was designed by Richard Rodgers and was completed in 1986, but even today it looks like a construction from the future towering over the ancient Roman square next to it. It consists of three main and three service towers, surrounding a central rectangular space. The higher floors are glazed and reach the first of its kind in the UK external glass elevators.
Travelers, St. Paul
With its specific pyramidal roof, the headquarters of Travelers is the tallest building in the commercial part of the capital of Minnesota - St. Paul. The building, decorated with the red umbrella from the insurer's logo, rises to 17 floors and contains 525,000 square meters.
AXA, Paris
The world management of AXA in Paris is a really beautiful building with a contrasting design. The combination of the neoclassical façade next to the glass panels makes it both elegant and strikingly modern.
Zurich, Milan
Zurich's headquarters in Milan is a high-tech, post-modern building designed by architect Alessandro Scandura. When completed in 2009, the unique construction attracted a lot of attention not only with its innovative facade, but also with its interestingly decorated interior.
Willis Building, London
Second building for Willis in the rankings and second for London. Moreover, this building is located directly opposite Lloyd’s headquarters in the city’s financial center. The stepped design, designed by Norman Foster, aims to resemble a shell. It is the fourth tallest building in London, after CityPoint, 30 St Mary Ax Tower and Tower 42.
30 St Mary Ax Tower, London
Swiss Re's office is housed in an award-winning skyscraper that redesigned the London skyline and became one of the world's most famous office buildings. This landmark, also known as the Gherkin, was also designed by Norman Foster and opened on May 25, 2004. The building is the first environmentally sustainable London tall building, with separate windows that open to allow natural ventilation to complement the mechanical systems for much of the year.
Liberty Mutual, Boston
The list ends with a look to the future. Built in 1936, the classic Liberty Mutual Insurance building in Boston will receive a modernist addition over the next five years. The connection between the two buildings will be a transparent glass bridge.
Source: profit.bg