Elevating the Tenant Experience with Air Porches

While balconies provide daylight and fresh air, they are not feasible in all climates. Chicago high-rise balcony would be too cold or windy for much enjoyment. Yet, the air porch is a semi-protected space built within the structure of a building. Inspired by the four-season room, Pickard Chilton design architect firm Principal Jon Pickard notes, "with an air porch, you can be comfortable, but feel like you are outdoors." Even when sliding glass windows are closed, there is still access to flowing air and daylight.  

Air porches shine in the customization of tenant space. A significant draw to this amenity is the democratization of building terraces. Rather than being a specific feature only a few occupants could experience, air porches offer opportunities for open-air experiences throughout the building. 

Due to the infrastructure of a balcony, it is an upfront cost for the developer. The permanence of a balcony can make leasing future tenant space difficult. When a building is designed with the forethought of an air porch, tenants can customize their space. "You design the building flexibly to meet the tenant's planning needs," explains Pickard. This way, as tenants change or grow, the space can adapt. The air porch can be modified, relocated, or removed as needed.