Apple Stores in Chicago are public danger in winter time

Possibility of falling snow and ice closes public areas around Apple Store.

Apple’s new store on the Chicago riverfront has received plaudits for its design. Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin called it “thrillingly transparent, elegantly understated, and a boon to the city’s riverfront.” But in designing Apple's latest "statement" store, which features a large open plaza and a roof reminiscent of a MacBook, London-based architects Foster + Partners appear to have overlooked one crucial detail: Chicago winters.

As Matt Maldre at Spudart points out, the lack of gutters on the roof has forced Apple to close off the plaza surrounding the store. Not only is there a risk of snow falling off the sloped roof, there are some nasty-looking icicles hanging there as well.

Fortunately for Apple, Chicago-area temperatures will hover in the single digits over the weekend, so people shouldn't be heartbroken about the lack of access to the outdoor areas of Apple’s “town square.” And those of us who have lived or worked in downtown Chicago are accustomed to signs warning of falling snow and ice this time of year. That said, a little bit of weatherproofing can go a long way.