March 31, 2008 - Architectural firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, best known for designing Chicago's 108-story Sears Tower, is planning a 2 million square foot, wind- and solar-powered office complex for the Windy City. The Clean Technology Tower, designed according to the principles of biomimicry, will maximize energy efficiency by harnessing the power of its natural environment.

A series of wind turbines will be positioned at the corners of the tower, increasing in density toward the top of the building where wind speeds are highest. Turbines conduct fast-moving air into domed roof, which houses a wind farm for generating electricity. The dome itself will by topped by solar panels.

The Clean Technology Tower will feature more than 1.8 million square feet of office space, plus a 300,000 square foot hotel, a spa, and street-level retail area. Office space will be located on the higher floors to take advantage of the direct natural daylight.

For more information and artist's renderings of the tower, click here.