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16 April 2025
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Apr 16, 2025Building Design
The Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Local Growth will address Housing Today’s Building the Future Conference as a keynote speaker.
Source: Flickr
Alex Norris has been MP for Nottingham North and Kimberley since June 2017 and was appointed to the role last year, after a shift of responsibilities within the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The minister’s role includes building safety, regulations, the Grenfell Inquiry response, local and regional growth, investment zones.
His keynote speech will be part of the conference’s deidcated building safety stream. The conference will also involve dedicated specification, sustainability and skills sessions.
This year’s Building the Future Conference, which Building Design is co-hosting with sister titles Building and Housing Today, will take place on 2 October at a new venue, 155 Bishopsgate in the City of London.
On top of bringing together the Building, Building Design and Housing Today audiences under one roof, there will also be exclusive content from industry partners such as Build UK, The Housing Forum, The G15, and UKGBC.
>> Building the Future Conference: Buy your ticket today
The day-long conference will be followed by a shortlisting party for the 2025 Building Awards and Architect of the Year Awards.
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African-Inspired Social Housing Tower Proposed For Vancouver ChinatownThe Black-led non-profit organization called Hogan’s Alley Society is pushing forward with its plans to build a mixed-use social housing tower within the south end of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown district.
A newly submitted development permit application by Studio One Architecture for 728-796 Main St. — the northeast corner of the intersection of Union Street and Main Street — calls for the construction of a 128-ft-tall, 12-storey building with 109 social housing unit on top of about 7,400 sq. ft. of retail/restaurant space on the ground and second levels.
As previously reported by Daily Hive Urbanized in April 2024, local developer Bonnis Properties sold the property and approved rezoning plans to Hogan’s Alley Society in a 2023 deal worth $20 million. On the same day the deal was finalized, the federal government’s Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provided the organization with a $25.2 million mortgage.
The new redevelopment concept under Hogan’s Alley Society’s ownership generally aligns with the overall form and height of Bonnis Properties’ approved concept, which was also previously designed by Studio One Architecture. But Bonnis Properties envisioned a wider range of uses, including 75 market strata ownership condominium homes, 19 social housing units, and 6,000 sq. ft. of retail/restaurant uses.
With a total building floor area of 92,300 sq. ft., the 2025 design concept also carries a slight density increase — up from the 2021 rezoning-approved concept’s 85,700 sq. ft. The floor area ratio (FAR) density on this 12,844 sq. ft. lot correspondingly saw an increase from a floor area that is 6.7 to 7.2 times the size of the land area.
Brickhouse development site of 728-796 Main St. in Vancouver’s Chinatown. (Google Maps)
Existing condition:
Brickhouse development site of 728-796 Main St. in Vancouver’s Chinatown. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
Cancelled 2021 rezoning application-approved concept:
Cancelled: 2021-approved design for 728-796 Main Street, Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Bonnis Properties)
New 2025 development permit application concept:
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
The project will provide nearly 200 secured bike parking spaces. There will also be 34 vehicle parking stalls — down from 64 stalls in the previous concept.
Beyond the shift to 100 per cent social housing for the residential uses, the most significant change is the project’s architectural direction.
Both the previous and new concepts demolish the 1899-built, three-storey boarding building situated at the property’s corner with the intersection.
Whereas the previous concept by Bonnis Properties sought to align with Chinatown’s distinct heritage architectural and material character — but also incorporating on-site heritage elements of the 1910-built Brickhouse Late Night Bistro and Dive Bar on Main Street, as well as a modest 1925 structure on Union Street that was previously at another location and once housed a shrine to Jimi Hendrix — the new Hogan’s Alley Society proposal envisions a highly contemporary and contrasting design said to draw inspiration from African cultures.
“African art and cultures are rich and diverse, characterized by intricate patterns, geometric shapes such as circles and triangles, and a deep connection to nature,” reads the design rationale.
“The design process began by exploring African architecture, which is often marked by earthy tones, dark reddish-browns, perforated shading screens, and bold patterns, many, featuring triangular shapes. These elements reflect both aesthetic and functional purpose, such as providing sun protection, while celebrating the vibrancy of African heritage.”
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
Moreover, the overall design concept is inspired by the Baobab tree, more commonly referred to as the “Tree of Life,” which is said to be a symbol of resilience, community, unity, wisdom, heritage, and life — a source of shelter, food, and water in many African communities.
The Baobab tree’s “roots reach deep into the earth while its branches extend skyward, symbolizing strength, growth, and connection. The symbolism of this tree resonated with the site’s historic and cultural significance and the project’s goals,” continues the design rationale.
“The trunk-inspired forms anchor the structure at the corner of Main and Union, symbolizing the history, strength and rootedness of the African community in Vancouver while embracing the richness of African cultural heritage. The railings with the intricate patterns tie the volumes together representing the strength of smaller communities uniting into a larger, more resilient identity. The building’s entrance is designed to reflect the traditional African porch, emphasizing its cultural significance as a communal gathering space.”
The building’s exterior facade will feature cast iron, pressed metal decorative elements, and architectural patterns. The retained brick heritage facades of The Brickhouse and the Union Street structure will provide a break from the contemporary design. A commemorative plaque will also be installed in the laneway detailing the “story of Hogan’s Alley.”
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
The organization claims the area saw a concentration of Black residents due to its proximity to the railway, where they worked as porters, and that remnants of the community were displaced beginning in the late 1960s to enable the construction of the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts, which was built to replace the aging 1915-built Hart McHarg Bridge — the area’s original viaduct.
It should also be noted that many Chinese residents living in Chinatown were also displaced by the construction of the viaducts.
Under the City of Vancouver’s Northeast False Creek Plan (NEFCP), for the entire city block immediately south of 728-796 Main Street, a contemporary reimagining of Hogan’s Alley is envisioned as a mixed-use residential development with retail, restaurant, community, and cultural spaces. This site is the city block at the southeast corner of the intersection of Main Street and Union Street — currently home to an informal green space, the Nora Hendrix Place temporary modular housing building, and the easternmost end of the viaducts. According to the organization’s website, they are the “lead operating partner” of the temporary modular housing building.
Across the street, under the NEFCP, the southwest corner of the same intersection is also slated for mixed-use residential and retail development, designed as a direct southward extension of Chinatown.
Both blocks are still occupied by the City-owned Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts, and it remains uncertain if or when they will be demolished, especially due to the high growing costs associated with demolition and the construction of a new replacement surface road network.
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver, in relation to the future Hogan’s Alley and Chinatown expansion developments replacing the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
Daily Hive – Urbanized
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23 August 20251 min readAfrican-Inspired Social Housing Tower Proposed For Vancouver Chinatown
Daily Hive – Urbanized
23 August 2025
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1,500 Rental Homes In Three Towers Planned Near Lougheed Skytrain In BurnabyA full decade after acquiring the property, Toronto-based Starlight Investments is now making new headway with its plan to provide the Lougheed Village apartment property with a significant increase in residential density that nearly quadruples the number of homes on the Burnaby property.
This is not a complete demolition and redevelopment of the housing complex at 9500 Erickson Drive — which is roughly a five-minute walk west from SkyTrain’s Lougheed Town Centre Station — but an infill development. It is also located just west of Cameron Elementary School and the immense City of Lougheed mall redevelopment into a high-density, mixed-use district.
Currently, the seven-acre Lougheed Village site contains 528 rental homes within four 1971-built buildings, including two 25-storey towers and two nine-storey mid-rise buildings. All of these existing residential buildings will be retained; the project will not displace any existing tenants, but there will be significant temporary disruptions due to the scale and nature of the construction project.
Three additional towers will be added to the site by demolishing some of the existing parkade and surface parking facilities, demolishing the existing commercial building known as “Lougheed Village Mall” (containing retail and restaurant space and a fitness facility), and removing some of the landscaping that serves as outdoor amenity space for the complex.
Site of the existing Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (Google Maps)
Site of the existing Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (Google Maps)
Site of the existing Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (Google Maps)
The landscaping changes include the removal of a sizeable man-made pond — home to a significant number of turtles and other wildlife — near the core of the property, as part of the third phase of construction. Instead, as part of the first phase, there will be a new replacement pond situated on the southeasternmost corner of the property, fronting Lougheed Highway — featuring landscaped pathways around the new water feature, various seating fixtures, gardens, a picnic area, an outdoor fitness gym area, and an outdoor stage next to an amphitheatre-like area.
The project’s first phase entails a 45-storey south tower with 572 rental homes fronting Lougheed Highway — adjacent to the new pond — while the second phase is a 37-storey middle tower with 442 rental homes and the third phase is a 38-storey north tower with 453 rental homes fronting Erickson Drive.
Altogether, the project provides a net gain of 1,467 rental homes for Lougheed Village for a total of 1,995 secured purpose-built rental homes when combined with the existing buildings. All of these new units will be rented at market rates, following Burnaby City Council’s March 2025 decision to exempt market rental housing projects from the new inclusionary rental requirements — a move intended to support the financial viability of such rental housing projects.
The overall unit size mix within the new towers is 202 studio units, 704 one-bedroom units, 96 one-bedroom units with a den, 390 two-bedroom units, and 75 three-bedroom units.
Based on the industry standard of averaging 1.5 to 1.8 residents per unit, when complete, the expanded Lougheed Village complex could see as many as about 3,600 residents living on-site.
2025 concept of the infill development of three additional towers for Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (NSDA Architects/Starlight Investments)
2025 concept of the infill development of three additional towers for Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (NSDA Architects/Starlight Investments)
2025 concept of the infill development of three additional towers for Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (NSDA Architects/Starlight Investments)
2025 concept of the infill development of three additional towers for Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (NSDA Architects/Starlight Investments)
Furthermore, this infill development is also under the municipal government’s newly implemented Height-Based Framework, which regulates development based on building height (defined as the number of floors) instead of the conventional method of floor area ratio (FAR) density calculations. With that said, the existing and new buildings will generate a total floor area of 1.582 million sq. ft., establishing a FAR density of a floor area that is 4.92 times larger than the size of the lot.
In addition to the significant rental housing uses, there will be some minor mixed uses, including a possible childcare facility within the base of the new north tower and some retail/restaurant space within the new middle tower.
Designed by NSDA Architects, the new towers adopt a contemporary interpretation of Lougheed Village’s existing “minimalist” style, while introducing subtle colour variations to create visual interest and aid with wayfinding.
“The proposal recognizes these differing but complementary architectural expressions and attempts to respond to both. The expression of the towers is intended to reflect a complementary approach unifying Lougheed Village as a community,” reads the application.
Each tower is distinguished through the use of colour palettes inspired by the natural environment. Gradual shifts in tone — from deeper, more saturated hues at the base to lighter shades at the top — accentuate verticality, guiding the eye upward and visually elongating the buildings. Three complementary colours were selected to reflect the landscaping concept: a darker blue-green, a sky blue, and a vibrant light green.
According to the architectural firm, the choice of colours is also rooted in inspiration drawn from First Nations cultures.
2025 concept of the infill development of three additional towers for Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (NSDA Architects/Starlight Investments)
2025 concept of the infill development of three additional towers for Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (NSDA Architects/Starlight Investments)
2025 concept of the infill development of three additional towers for Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (NSDA Architects/Starlight Investments)
2025 concept of the infill development of three additional towers for Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (NSDA Architects/Starlight Investments)
As construction progresses on the multi-phased project, there will be new replacement and improved landscaping and outdoor amenity spaces. In addition to the aforementioned new replacement pond, other areas will see new gardens, landscaped paths, seating areas, a children’s playground, a multi-use sports court, covered games area, and a multi-use lawn/dog run.
The new landscaping and outdoor amenity spaces will be built over new underground parking up to five levels deep. Currently, the site has 856 parking stalls for residents, with the project calling for an additional 442 net new stalls, which accounts for replacing stalls demolished for the development.
Additionally, some new internal roadways will be established on the site, and the segment of Lougheed Highway fronting the property will be redesigned to the municipal government’s new “Primary Arterial Town Centre Standard” with setbacks, separated pedestrian sidewalks and bike lanes, lighting, street trees, and rain gardens.
As well, there will be a specific setback away from Lougheed Highway to retain the municipal government’s future ability to widen the road’s westbound arterial capacity from two to three travel lanes, but this future road lot would remain under Starlight Investment’s ownership until the City proceeds with such a widening project.
As previously reported by Daily Hive Urbanized over the past decade, Starlight Investments acquired the property in 2015, and began planning the infill development the following year. The project has evolved over the years — initially a proposal with two new towers for about 1,000 rental homes, followed shortly after by the addition of a third new tower to concept that grew the total number of new rental homes to 1,200 units. Previous architectural concepts also carried a contemporary design that highly contrasted with the existing structures.
Pending municipal regulatory approvals, some construction could begin as early as 2026.
Daily Hive – Urbanized
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23 August 20251 min read1,500 Rental Homes In Three Towers Planned Near Lougheed Skytrain In Burnaby
Daily Hive – Urbanized
23 August 2025
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Developer Proposes 373-Meter Supertall Skyscraper In San FranciscoTexas-based developer Hines has submitted plans for a new supertall skyscraper in San Francisco that, if approved and built, could become the tallest building on the U.S. West Coast. Rising to a height of 1,225 feet (373 meters), the proposed tower at 77 Beale Street would surpass both the 1,100-foot (335 meter) Wilshire Grand Center in Los Angeles and the 1,070-foot (326 meter) Salesforce Tower in San Francisco, also co-developed by Hines.
Part of a broader redevelopment of the former Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) campus, the project would also include the restoration of two historic buildings at 215 and 245 Market Street, the conversion of an existing office building at 25 Beale Street, and the creation of a new park. In total, the mixed-use development would encompass 1.6 million square feet (148,644 square meters) of office space.
The supertall may ultimately be renamed 200 Mission, in keeping with earlier plans which were revealed in 2021. Pickard Chilton is listed as the master-plan architect for the broader site, but an architect has yet to be selected for the 77 Beale design.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie voiced strong support for the proposal, calling it a chance to revitalize a vacant downtown block with a dynamic mix of housing, office, retail, and public space. If realized, the project would mark a significant milestone for the city’s skyline and serve as a catalyst for downtown renewal.
Learn more at Dezeen.
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
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18 July 20252 min readDeveloper Proposes 373-Meter Supertall Skyscraper In San Francisco
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
18 July 2025
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Baron Property Group And Largavista Secure $388.5M In Financing For Their 46-Story Residential Tower In Long Island CityThe LargaVista Companies and Baron Property Group secured a $388.5 million construction loan for their long-delayed 46-story residential tower at 30-25 Queens Boulevard in Long Island City. The financing package, announced today, June 30 was backed by Starwood Capital Group, Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies, and Gotham Organization, with advisory services from HKS Real Estate Advisors and DIA Capital Group.
The financing is a crucial milestone for the project, which had stalled for years following the start of preliminary site work in 2019. With the capital now in hand, the developers are poised to resume construction on the 25,177-square-foot property, situated at the corner of Queens Plaza East and Queens Boulevard, west of the Sunnyside Yards rail yards.
The 525-foot-tall, CetraRuddy Architecture-designed tower will span approximately 511,000 square feet and yield a total of 561 residential units, consisting of 451 market-rate rentals and 110 for-sale condominiums. A total of 169 apartments will be reserved as affordable housing, which will make the development one of the more inclusive large-scale residential developments in the area.
In addition to residential, the project will also include about 21,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, activating the streetscape at one of Long Island City’s busiest transit nodes.
Residents will have access to a sprawling set of amenities designed to bring Manhattan high-end norms at better affordability. They include:
A rooftop pool nearly 500 feet above street level
Full-size basketball and pickleball courts
A fitness center and meditation studio
A game room and co-working lounge
Outdoor grilling stations
A solarium and pet spa with kitchen and dining area
“The vision has always been to bring Manhattan-quality living to an emerging, more affordable neighborhood,” Baron Property Group President Matthew Baron said. “Long Island City is diverse, transit-connected, and steadily growing—and this project shows our commitment to that kind of environment.”
Read also: New York City lays out plans for the largest mass timber residential project on Staten Island
Although pile driving and excavation began years back, the 46-Story tower at 30-25 Queens Blvd Long Island City had remained largely dormant until this year. With new financing secured and new renderings released, expectations now are for a restart of full construction activity, possibly as early as later this summer. The development team is envisioning a phased construction schedule, with occupancy now anticipated in 2028.
Only feet away from the Queens Plaza (E, M, R) and Queensboro Plaza (7, N, W) subway stations, the building offers direct access to Midtown Manhattan in about 15 minutes. That convenience, along with luxury amenities and lower prices than Manhattan, is bound to entice renters and buyers as well as the tower.
With financing now secured and design plans reaffirmed, Baron Property Group and LargaVista Companies are set to realize one of Long Island City’s most ambitious residential towers—one that pairs affordability, design, and luxury amenities on a scale rarely achieved in outer-borough developments.
Read also: Empire Wind Construction Resumes After $5B Project Endures Month-Long Halt Costing $50M Weekly
Location: 30-25 Queens Boulevard, Long Island City, NY
Site: Corner of Queens Plaza East and Queens Boulevard (25,177 sq ft)
Height: 525 feet, 46 stories
Total Area: 511,000 square feet
Projected Completion: 2028
Construction Loan: $388.5 million
Lenders: Starwood Capital Group, Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies, Gotham Organization
Total Units: 561
451 market-rate rentals
110 for-sale condominiums
169 affordable housing units
Commercial Space: 21,000 sq ft ground-floor retail
Rooftop swimming pool (500 ft above street level)
Full-sized basketball and pickleball courts
Fitness center and meditation studio
Co-working lounge and game room
Outdoor grilling areas
Pet spa and solarium with kitchen/dining
Subway Stations: Queens Plaza (E, M, R) and Queensboro Plaza (7, N, W)
Travel Time to Midtown: 15 minutes
Proximity: Adjacent to Sunnyside Yards rail tracks
Initial Site Work: 2019
Financing Closed: 2025
Construction Restart: Summer 2025 (projected)
Occupancy: 2028 (projected)
Read also: Bravo Property Trust finances New York residential tower
Construction Review Online
skyscraper
30 June 20254 min readBaron Property Group And Largavista Secure $388.5M In Financing For Their 46-Story Residential Tower In Long Island City
Construction Review Online
30 June 2025
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Major Fire Breaks Out In 280-Meter Residential Building In Dubai MarinaA major fire broke out late Friday in the 280-meter Marina Pinnacle tower in Dubai Marina, prompting the safe evacuation of all 3,820 residents from 764 apartments, according to the Dubai Media Office (DMO). Dubai Civil Defence teams battled the blaze for six hours, with no injuries reported.
Authorities are coordinating with the building's developer to provide temporary housing, while medical and mental health support has been made available on-site.
Originally completed in 2011, this is reportedly not the first fire at this building. In 2015, a kitchen fire was started on the 47th floor and spread to one additional floor before being contained.
Learn more at NDTV.
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
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16 June 20251 min readMajor Fire Breaks Out In 280-Meter Residential Building In Dubai Marina
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
16 June 2025
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Building Safety Minister To Address Building The Future ConferenceThe Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Local Growth will address Housing Today’s Building the Future Conference as a keynote speaker.
Source: Flickr
Alex Norris has been MP for Nottingham North and Kimberley since June 2017 and was appointed to the role last year, after a shift of responsibilities within the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The minister’s role includes building safety, regulations, the Grenfell Inquiry response, local and regional growth, investment zones.
His keynote speech will be part of the conference’s deidcated building safety stream. The conference will also involve dedicated specification, sustainability and skills sessions.
This year’s Building the Future Conference, which Building Design is co-hosting with sister titles Building and Housing Today, will take place on 2 October at a new venue, 155 Bishopsgate in the City of London.
On top of bringing together the Building, Building Design and Housing Today audiences under one roof, there will also be exclusive content from industry partners such as Build UK, The Housing Forum, The G15, and UKGBC.
>> Building the Future Conference: Buy your ticket today
The day-long conference will be followed by a shortlisting party for the 2025 Building Awards and Architect of the Year Awards.
Building Design
skyscraper
16 April 20251 min readBuilding Safety Minister To Address Building The Future Conference
Building Design
16 April 2025
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Unstudio'S Wasl Tower In Dubai Draws From Classical Art With Sinuous Contrapposto PoseSet to become one of Dubai’s most impressive new landmarks, UNStudio‘s Wasl Tower is nearing completion and continues to transform the city’s skyline with its sinuous form and advanced facade of ceramic fins. With structural design by Werner Sobek, the supertall tower rises 302 meters and draws on classical art’s ‘contrapposto’ stance — its twisted form suggesting a figure mid-stride. Currently in the final stages of construction, the project has been photographed by Nils Koenning, offering a unique glimpse into the next generation of mixed-use skyscrapers in the UAE.
Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the project sits at a critical urban intersection in Dubai, linking the world-famous Burj Khalifa with the newer City Walk development. Its prominent placement along Sheikh Zayed Road ensures high visibility, especially as it stands opposite the Burj Khalifa without any other tall structures to compete with. A new pedestrian bridge connects the building to the Burj Khalifa metro station, extending accessibility while reinforcing its role as a node within Dubai’s ever-evolving infrastructure network.
images © Nils Koenning
With one of the tallest ceramic facades in the world, the Wasl Tower in Dubai pushes the limits of facade design by blending tradition with performance. The architects at UNStudio and engineers at Werner Sobek cloak the tower in a lace-like grid of ceramic fins, crafted from low-tech glazed clay. This surface works to both reduce heat gain and enhance interior daylighting. Each fin is precisely angled at 12.8 degrees, a figure determined through parametric modeling to optimize shading and light diffusion. This outer skin is thus a passive cooling system which responds to the desert climate and offers a tactile visual identity that reads as both futuristic and traditional.
The Wasl Tower in Dubai introduces an unusual vertical seam that functions as a ‘vertical boulevard’ — a stacked procession of outdoor balconies and green terraces that run up the spine of the building. Crowned by a series of rooftop infinity pools, this seam brings a new level of permeability to high-rise living in a desert context. It also forms a crucial axis for public engagement, with programmatically rich zones that house dining, entertainment, and hospitality functions suspended far above the city.
Dubai’s Wasl Tower is a 302 meter skyscraper designed by UNStudio with structure by Werner Sobek
With its Wasl Tower in Dubai, UNStudio draws inspiration from classical sculpture, rotating along its vertical axis in a dynamic contrapposto pose. Its complex geometry is supported by three massive 300-meter shear walls, which are linked by four strategic outriggers. This structural system enables an open and adaptable floorplate, meeting the demands of its mixed-use program — including office spaces, apartments, and a hotel — while allowing the building to gracefully twist and face multiple directions.
The project becomes a living element within the nightscape through its responsive lighting system designed by Arup. Hidden behind the ceramic fins, the system pulses with light patterns that mimic the tempo of urban life. During the day, the same ceramic system moderates solar exposure. At night, the tower becomes a glowing presence powered in part by PV panels integrated into the adjacent car park structure. The lighting concept flows from exterior to interior, especially in the tower’s public areas and sky lobby.
the building’s sculptural form is based on contrapposto and rotates along its vertical axis
To navigate its complex, multi-functional interior, UNStudio and Werner Sobek employ a layered vertical transport strategy. A total of seventeen elevators — including five for services — support the distinct programs within the tower. Express lifts connect major hubs like the ground floor, spa, sky lobby, and rooftop, while separate lift groups serve office workers, hotel guests, and residents. While streamlining circulation, this system enhances user experience by lending direct, efficient access between public and private zones.
As the Wasl Tower nears its anticipated completion later this year, Dubai prepares to welcome a new icon which actively engages with its climate, culture, and infrastructure. With its ceramic cloak, kinetic silhouette, and environmentally responsive features, the tower signals a forward-thinking future for high-rise design in the desert metropolis.
it features one of the world’s tallest ceramic facades made from low-tech glazed clay
ceramic fins provide shading and reflect light deep into the building
Design Boom
skyscraper
02 April 20254 min readUnstudio'S Wasl Tower In Dubai Draws From Classical Art With Sinuous Contrapposto Pose
Design Boom
02 April 2025
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Terraced Cityzen Tower By Zaha Hadid Architects Set To Rise In Tbilisi, GeorgiaZaha Hadid Architects has unveiled Cityzen Tower, an ambitious mixed-use development in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi. Located at the intersection of Mikheil Tamarashvili and University streets, the tower will comprise residential apartments, commercial spaces, and leisure amenities. Cityzen Tower is designed to rise on the site of the former military headquarters of Soviet forces in central and south Caucasus. Positioned within the evolving Cityzen community in Tbilisi’s Saburtalo district, the project benefits from proximity to the city’s Line 2 metro system, major universities, commercial hubs, and emerging residential developments. Marking ZHA’s first project in Georgia, Cityzen Tower is scheduled for completion in 2028.
visualizations © Negativ
The design team at Zaha Hadid Architects envisions the Cityzen Tower as a new civic hub in western Tbilisi, Georgia, to accommodate the city’s growing population. The masterplan features interconnected pedestrian pathways, public plazas, and lush gardens, spanning 23,000 square meters of outdoor spaces to encourage recreation and community engagement. Cityzen is strategically positioned adjacent to Tbilisi’s expansive 36-hectare Central Park. Retaining 250 mature trees from the existing site, the development embraces green urbanism, offering residents direct access to botanical gardens, woodlands, and sports facilities.
ZHA’s Cityzen Tower is set to be a new mixed-use development in Tbilisi, Georgia
The design of Cityzen Tower by Zaha Hadid Architects reflects Tbilisi’s rolling hills and meandering river valleys. The tower serves as an architectural bridge between urban life and nature, featuring cascading landscaped terraces that extend into Central Park, creating inviting outdoor spaces for cafes, restaurants, and communal activities. As Cityzen Tower ascends, the terraces evolve into social spaces for the office floors, while the upper residential levels offer private balconies with sweeping views of the city and park. The tower’s design transitions from an expansive communal base to a refined, diamond-shaped residential footprint, ensuring optimal natural light and panoramic vistas for every apartment.
the project offers 23,000 square meters of landscaped outdoor spaces to the city
Zaha Hadid’s Cityzen Tower prioritizes environmental performance, with extensive solar and wind analysis shaping its 42-story form. The structure optimizes natural ventilation, while extended balconies and external louvres reduce heat gain in summer and enhance passive solar heating in winter, cutting overall energy consumption. Cityzen Tower continues Tbilisi’s tradition of expertise in concrete construction. Targeting LEED Gold certification, the development emphasizes locally recycled materials and a sustainable procurement strategy. Rainwater collection and reuse will be implemented through an on-site reservoir, while native vegetation requiring minimal irrigation will be used throughout the complex.
cascading terraces connect with the park and provide outdoor spaces for cafes and restaurants
Cityzen Tower’s design is inspired by Tbilisi’s rolling hills and river valleys
project info:
name: Cityzen Tower
architect: Zaha Hadid Architects | @zahahadidarchitects
location: Tbilisi, Georgia
client: Cityzen
completion: expected 2028
visualizations: © Negativ | @negativ_va
design: Patrik Schumacher ZHA project director: Manuela Gatto ZHA project associate: Yevgeniya Pozigun ZHA project architects: Takehiko Iseki, Massimo Napoleoni ZHA project leads: Armando Bussey (Design), Bowen Miao (Facade), Maria Avrami (BIM), ZHA technical coordination: Kutbuddin Nadiadi ZHA project team: Alicia Hidalgo Lopez, Armando Bussey, Besan Abudayah, Bowen Miao, Catherine McCann, Charles Walker, Ignacio Fernandez De Castro, Jessica Wang, Jose Pareja Gomez, Kutbuddin Nadiadi, Laizhen Wu, Manuela Gatto, Maria Avrami, Massimo Napoleoni, Panos Ioakim, Takehiko Iseki, Thomas Bagnoli, Yevgeniya Pozigun ZHA analytics & insights team: Uli Blum, Danial Haziq ZHA sustainability team: Aleksander Mastalski, Aditya Ambare, Carlos Bausa Martinez, Shibani Choudhury, Disha Shetty
local architect: Artstudio Project structural engineers: Capiteli facade engineering: FMT Facade Consultants MEP: Zerone landscape consultant: Artstudio Project animation: Render.ge LEED consultant: Sustainable Engineering Ltd
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13 March 20253 min readTerraced Cityzen Tower By Zaha Hadid Architects Set To Rise In Tbilisi, Georgia
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13 March 2025
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Valerio Olgiati Brings Towering Forms And Garden Ziggurat To Tirana, AlbaniaIn Tirana, Albania, Swiss architect Valerio Olgiati plans to unveil Rruga Adem Jashari, a mixed-use development that seeks to integrate urban living with its surrounding landscape. Positioned at the edge of the city grid and adjacent to a park, the project introduces three distinctive red concrete towers and a white ziggurat centerpiece, combining residential, hospitality, and retail spaces. Construction is expected to start in the fall of 2025.
the white ziggurat centerpiece | all images © Archive Olgiati
Situated at the boundary between Tirana’s urban core and a neighboring park, the Rruga Adem Jashari project capitalizes on its transitional location. The design by Valerio Olgiati features an open plaza at its base that extends across the street to connect the city grid with the natural landscape. Pine trees line the plaza, softening the boundary and creating a visual and physical link between the two environments.
The Swiss architect’s concept draws from the idea of stacking blocks to create monumental structures. Three towers rise from a shared red concrete base, their facades dominated by exposed structural pillars that highlight the forces at play within the building. These pillars follow a precise logic, giving the towers a distinct, sculptural appearance as they align with the urban grid.
the towers’ red pigmented concrete gives them an earthy tone
Between the towers, a stepped ziggurat provides a contrasting form and color. Constructed in white concrete, the ziggurat serves as a centerpiece for the development, featuring terraces planted with pine trees to create a layered, garden-like appearance. Beyond its visual impact, it houses retail spaces and connects the plaza with the underground levels. The towers’ red pigmented concrete gives them an earthy tone that appears to emerge naturally from the site. In contrast, the white ziggurat introduces a conceptual element that stands apart, reflecting a more abstract and sculptural intention within the development.
The towers are designed with flexibility in mind. The structural layout allows for adaptable floor plans, accommodating a range of uses for apartments and hotel suites. Meanwhile, the ziggurat includes retail spaces that extend underground, maximizing the use of the site for both public and private functions.
the project introduces three distinctive red concrete towers
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13 February 20252 min readValerio Olgiati Brings Towering Forms And Garden Ziggurat To Tirana, Albania
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13 February 2025
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'Senna Tower' Designed By Brazilian Artist To Become World'S Tallest Residential SkyscraperBalneário Camboriú, a city in Brazil‘s Santa Catarina state, is set to make history with the Senna Tower, a 509-meter-tall structure that will become the tallest tower in Brazil and the tallest residential tower in the world. Known for its dramatic skyline of high-rise buildings, the coastal city is the ideal location for this ambitious project, which will redefine both the city’s architecture and the global skyscraper landscape.
The designer behind the Senna Tower is Brazilian artist Lalalli Senna, niece of legendary Formula One driver Ayrton Senna. Her design aims to honor her uncle’s ‘heroic journey,’ with the tower representing a symbolic intersection between the material and celestial worlds. This metaphor is made visible through the building’s slim, glass-clad form and a facade integrated with bands of lights that will extend to the tower’s crown, projecting upwards and contributing to its iconic appearance.
The Senna Tower is designed as is a tribute to Ayrton Senna, one of Brazil’s most beloved sports icons. The podium will include an immersive space dedicated to the late driver, featuring a race track that will serve as a reminder of his enduring legacy in both motorsports and Brazilian culture. visualizations © FG Empreendimentos
The Senna Tower is a collaboration between FG Empreendimentos, a prominent construction firm, and the Senna Brand, which carries forward Ayrton Senna’s legacy. Renderings of the project showcase a sleek and innovative structure, with terraces featuring pools and lush landscaping at the base. This project highlights the convergence of two influential Brazilian families, united by a shared vision to push the boundaries of design and innovation.
The tower will offer a wide array of facilities spread across multiple levels. Public spaces on the ground floor will include shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Higher floors will host amenities such as a heated pool, wellness center, tennis courts, and a gym. Residents will have access to elevated ‘mansions,’ duplex and triplex penthouses, and state-of-the-art recreational spaces, including a private garage club. The building will be topped by an observatory, offering panoramic views of the city and coastline.
rising 509 meters, the Senna Tower will become the world’s tallest residential building
As the first residential supertall building in both Brazil and Latin America to feature a Tuned Mass Damper, the Senna Tower sets a precedent for engineering excellence. This advanced system minimizes wind-induced motion, improving stability and comfort, especially on higher floors. The innovation marks a significant step forward in the region’s architectural and engineering capabilities.
Senna Tower will pursue LEED Platinum certification, a significant milestone that would make it the first supertall residential building in the world to achieve this level of sustainability. Additionally, it will feature Latin America’s first Tuned Mass Damper (TMD), an advanced system designed to reduce vibrations and sway in high-rise buildings, providing enhanced stability and comfort for residents.
The tower is scheduled to begin construction in late 2025. If completed, Senna Tower will become the first supertall residential building to achieve LEED Platinum certification, the highest sustainability standard awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. This certification reflects a commitment to energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and responsible resource use, ensuring the tower meets the highest global standards for sustainability.
the tower was conceptualized by Brazilian artist Lalalli Senna, niece of the late driver Ayrton Senna
Senna Tower aims to be the first supertall residential building to achieve LEED Platinum certification
the tower will be the first in Latin America to use a Tuned Mass Damper system
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13 February 20253 min read'Senna Tower' Designed By Brazilian Artist To Become World'S Tallest Residential Skyscraper
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13 February 2025
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Twisting Office Tower By Ini Design Studio Rises Over Tech City In IndiaINI Design Studio presents Shivalik Curv, a 32-story office tower located in GIFT City, Ahmedabad, designed to provide 47,000 sqm of Grade-A office space. Its twisting form, leaning 25 meters over a height of 120 meters, incorporates a 38-degree rotational shift on each level, offering dynamic views of the cityscape. For the tower’s design, the architects were inspired by the fluidity of human movement, establishing a distinct presence within the urban skyline.
The building includes a green terrace on the third level, a 107-meter atrium to maximize natural light, and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views. These elements are integrated to create an interactive user-centered workspace environment. Sustainable features such as energy-efficient cooling, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting align the design with GIFT City’s focus on eco-conscious urban development, setting an example for sustainable architecture.
renders by Studio Flamebirds, Skill House | all images courtesy of INI Design Studio
The design of Shivalik Curv reflects innovation and modernity within Gujarat International Finance Tech City, India’s first operational Greenfield smart city. The client envisioned a high-performance office tower that would contribute a unique identity to the area. Its rotational geometry, with each floor shifting by one degree, symbolizes movement and progress, resonating with the evolving finance and technology sectors. The curved lines of the building integrate into the surrounding public spaces, promoting collaboration and interaction. The tower’s distinct visual identity is enhanced by landscaped areas and artistic sculptures, fostering a cohesive relationship between architecture and its urban context. Its dynamic form makes Shivalik Curv a landmark for GIFT City, aligning with the city’s aspirations for innovative and sustainable urban growth.
The architectural concept by INI Design Studio combines artistry with functional design principles. The semicircular site and rotational form create a fluid silhouette that reflects movement. Each floor rotates by 38 degrees from the base to the top, generating panoramic views of GIFT City. The facade design emphasizes this rotation while allowing natural light to penetrate office spaces, reducing energy dependence and improving occupant comfort. The flexible floor plans accommodate various tenant needs, from startups to established firms, enabling custom configurations. Curved lines from the building extend into the public plaza and driveway, unifying the design language. A focal sculpture at the driveway reinforces the sense of motion and continuity, complementing the tower’s contemporary design.
the twisting form of Shivalik Curv leans 25 meters, creating a striking skyline presence
The building incorporates a green terrace on the third floor, connecting to a 107-meter atrium that allows daylight to filter into the interior. The rooftop terrace includes a restaurant and amenities, providing views of the GIFT City skyline and the Sabarmati River. Despite its complex geometry, the torsional design is supported by a straightforward structural system with a centralized service core and an exoskeleton frame.
Shivalik Curv integrates environmentally responsive design in line with GIFT City’s sustainability goals. The building employs an energy-efficient cooling system to minimize operational energy use and features solar panels to generate renewable energy. Rainwater harvesting systems reduce water consumption, while the design emphasizes natural daylighting to lower reliance on artificial lighting. The green terrace enhances thermal performance while serving as a space for interaction, contributing to the building’s overall energy efficiency. These interventions ensure a reduced environmental footprint, positioning Shivalik Curv as a model for sustainable office architecture.
each floor of Shivalik Curv rotates by 38 degrees, offering dynamic cityscape views
the facade design emphasizes rotation while maximizing daylight penetration
inspired by human movement, Shivalik Curv reflects fluidity in its design
Shivalik Curv aims to be a model for sustainable office architecture in smart city development
Shivalik Curv’s curved lines extend into public spaces, promoting urban interaction
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13 February 20254 min readTwisting Office Tower By Ini Design Studio Rises Over Tech City In India
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13 February 2025
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With A Complete Retrofit, Athens' Piraeus Tower Becomes The First Green Highrise In GreecePiraeus Tower officially opened its doors to tenants and visitors on June 4th, 2024, at the port city of Piraeus in Athens, revealing its award-winning, spring-patterned facade (see more here) designed by PILA. Two months later, the structure’s retrofit was officially completed, earning itself the title of the first green highrise and second tallest building in Greece, marking the starting point of the Athenian Riviera. It stands today as a mixed-used, fully accessible, and sustainable landmark with public open spaces and a contemporary workplace, soaring 88 meters into the sky. ‘This project sets a new standard for urban revitalization in Greece,’ shares Dimitris Andriopoulos, CEO of Piraeus Tower and Dimand.
image © Nikos Daniilidis
Spanning about 35,000 sqm, the first three levels of retail at the Piraeus Tower are already leased to Zara, Zara Home, JDSports, while the third and fourth floor will offer F&B by Nice n’ Easy, and a gym operated by Athlesis. The office levels above will host 2,000 people and are occupied by anchor tenants Dialectica, NorthStandard, and V Group of Companies, among others. The office fit-out for V Group’s headquarters on the 22nd top floor is also designed by the team at PILA. As part of the project, the architects have also designed an elevated walkway from Karaiskaki Square to the park, improving the urban experience and connectivity around the tower. The structure runs atop the port fence, providing unobstructed views of the port. Beyond a typical walkway, it features seating areas for enjoying the view and incorporates green spaces for a more pleasant experience.
image © Nikos Daniilidis
Moving on to the facade design by PILA, a shading structure with vertical and horizontal overhangs encloses the tower. Each vertical fin is horizontally displaced from one floor to the next, creating a spring pattern that wraps around the building. The pattern appears to gently slide from one facade to another, with the resulting visual effect of the facade wrapping around the tower like an immense piece of fabric. This dynamic pattern appears different from various locations, creating a rich visual experience constantly transforming, depending on where one is standing.
image © Yiannis Hadjiaslanis
Designer Thanos Danilof wrapped the facade in a lighting system that features sequences of colors and luminous intensities on all the fins of the Piraeus Tower in Athens. During special occasions, such as the welcoming of the Olympic Flame, the exterior lights up with unique hues, including a permanent sequence appearing warm white. ‘This is chosen after studies were conducted for the best environmental conditions to have a mild intensity that protects against light pollution and energy consumption. The energy required to light up the tower each night is equal to the energy consumed by two home A/C units,‘ notes the team. PILA’s facade has been awarded a 2024 CTBUH Facade Award of Excellence and will be presented at the Barbican Centre in London on September 23rd, 2024.
image © Yiannis Hadjiaslanis
The Piraeus Tower is set to become the first LEED Platinum-certified tower in Greece and has also enrolled in the WELL Core™ program to prioritize the health and well-being of its tenants and end-users. It embraces circular economy principles by separating pre-existing glazing and aluminum from other facade elements, sending them to Saint-Gobain in Romania for recycling, and then returning them to Greece for reuse, resulting in 126 tonnes of recycled glass. Each floor is equipped with smart systems (BMS) that allow tenants to operate independently based on their specific needs.
image © Yiannis Hadjiaslanis
The rooftop features 500 square meters of photovoltaic panels, and the building is equipped with the latest cooling and heating systems. The basements provide 44 parking spaces with charging stations, three generators for backup power, and six water tanks to reuse collected greywater. Lastly, the Piraeus Tower in Athens is conveniently accessible by all forms of public transportation, enabling occupants and visitors to commute easily and access boats, trains, and airplanes for leisure travel.
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13 February 20254 min readWith A Complete Retrofit, Athens' Piraeus Tower Becomes The First Green Highrise In Greece
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13 February 2025
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