Which architectural firm is responsible for the design of the John Hancock Center?

The design of the John Hancock Center, a prominent and iconic skyscraper located in Chicago, is attributed to Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM). This firm is renowned for its innovative architectural designs and has played a significant role in shaping the skyline of many cities, particularly in Chicago.

The John Hancock Center, completed in 1970, showcases SOM's signature style, combining modernist principles with structural engineering ingenuity. The building features a distinctive tapering form, with its innovative use of a braced tube structural system, which was groundbreaking at the time. This design allows for both height and resilience, characteristics that have come to define many of SOM’s projects.

The other firms listed, while influential in their own rights, did not have a role in the design of this specific building. Gensler is known for its work on various commercial projects, Bjarke Ingels Group is recognized for their contemporary and often unconventional design approaches, and HOK has made significant contributions to architectural design, but none of these firms are connected to the John Hancock Center's design. Therefore, the association of the skyscraper with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill is not only a factual statement but also highlights their legacy in high-rise architecture.