At first glance, the latest renderings released by the Bjarke Ingels-led architecture practice BIG of a skyscraper in Frankfurt seems like the typical, rectangular office building. But then the eye travels to the center of the building, and the tower looks more like the early rounds of a game of Jenga.
Square volumes stacked askew on top of each other seems to be the typology that the firm is keen on using lately: The feature will show prominently in the New York City skyline if BIG's Two World Trade Center design is built.
According to Architect’s Journal UK, the tower in Frankfurt will be 185 meters tall and will house offices, residential units, and public terraces. "By gently shifting the floorplates of the simple elegant volume, the tower incorporates all the elements of a real city: spaces for living and working, inside as well as outside," Ingels told Dezeen. The building in total will be 65,000 sm.
The levels in the middle of the tower that shift outward create terraces and outdoor space for the apartments.
“The tower is located in the center of [Frankfurt’s] mix between tall and low,” a statement from the firm says. “Its design reacts to the constraints and potential of the different programs housed within.”
Austrian engineering firm Bollinger + Grohmann is partnering with BIG to complete the scheme. The building is scheduled for completion in 2018.
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Aug 11, 2015
Calatrava's Turning Torso wins CTBUH's 10 Year Award
The 623-foot, 57-story tower was the world's first twisting skyscraper. Completed in 2005, the building, designed by Santiago Calatrava, rotates 90 degrees along its height.
High-rise Construction | Aug 7, 2015
Tribute tower to cricket world champs will be Sri Lanka’s tallest
The 1996 Iconic Tower will be a tribute to the country’s cricket team, which won the World Cup in 1996.
Vertical Transportation | Aug 5, 2015
ThyssenKrupp’s maglev elevator test tower almost ready
The 761-foot concrete tower will enable the manufacturer to test its maglev elevator prototypes. The new elevators will be moved by magnets, allowing for vertical and horizontal movement of multiple cars in one shaft.
High-rise Construction | Aug 4, 2015
Construction of Vietnam’s tallest building commences in Ho Chi Minh City
A 1,509-foot skyscraper broke ground on the banks of the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
High-rise Construction | Jul 29, 2015
Jerusalem to get a high-rise pyramid by Daniel Libeskind
Are pyramids making a comeback? The city of Paris recently approved a triangle-shaped building that stirred controversy from residents. Now, the city of Jerusalem gave Libeskind's pyramid tower the go-ahead.
High-rise Construction | Jul 28, 2015
Work begins on KPF's 'flared silhouette' tower in Manhattan
The 62-story, 157-unit luxury condo tower widens at the 40th floor, resulting in a gently flared silhouette, accented by a sculpted crown.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2015
New York City changing zoning rules to reduce shadows cast by high rises
For decades, the New York City’s zoning rules have made it hard to construct high-rise buildings that seem airy and minimize the shadows they cast. The city planning department is now working to change that.
High-rise Construction | Jul 20, 2015
Morphosis' Casablanca Finance City tower to be topped with crown-shaped pinnacle
The tower will anchor a new business district being planned, similar to the glass and concrete business La Défense section at the outskirts of Paris.
High-rise Construction | Jul 15, 2015
Pelli Clarke Pelli's Wolf Point tower would be Chicago's fifth-tallest
Updated renderings from César Pelli's firm show a taller, slimmer design, possibly exceeding 1,000 feet.
High-rise Construction | Jul 15, 2015
Landmark status could delay Hancock Center renovations
Chicago officials have started to marshal documents to protect the tower against planned architectural changes.
