The building's angular footprint responds to both its context in the city and its relationship to Chicago's Midwestern climate. Directly east of the site, across the street, is a small, triangular, pedestrian park that guarantees the hotel a prominent facade to its neighbors. The architect extended this visibility further, to Michigan Avenue a few blocks east and even the lake beyond, by cantilevering the building to the south. Within the network of Chicago's grid system the cantilevered portion seems to lean over the street to be seen, attempting to attract attention to itself. Seen from the south (at left) the building resembles a blade, with the east and west facade barely visible beyond the leaning, cantilevered prow. Viguier indicates the hotel's footprint tries to "bring the sun into the project" as the two large-expanse facades present themselves to the shifting sun, guaranteeing ample natural light for the rooms and suites. Sofitel Hotel.....................Chicago, Illinois