There aren’t many things more alarming that an upright cobra ready to strike. A tower shaped like a cobra, therefore, will command a skyline.
Russian architect Vasily Klyukin released renderings for the Asian Cobra Tower, a metallic high-rise that takes the shape of the hooded venomous snake.
Though specific plans for the tower—square footage, location, construction timetable—are unknown, Klyukin and his firm said that the building could have a restaurant or night club in the cobra’s mouth, at top of the structure, and that the rest of the floors could contain offices or apartments.
Since snakes can change their skin, the Cobra Tower would be able to alter its colors, illuminating both red and blue.
“In Japan, telling someone that he is a snake means a compliment,” Klyukin said in a statement. “In China, snakes and dragons often mean the same. The symbol of wisdom and eternal life, this tower would embellish any Eastern city.”
Klyukin is a bit of an eccentric. He’s also a wealthy real estate developer, poker player, and art philanthropist. In 2013, he bid $1.5 million to take a trip to outer space with Leonardo DiCaprio.
As for the tower, no word yet if any rival firms are planning a nearby skyscraper shaped like a mongoose.
(click photos to enlarge)
Related Stories
Wood | Apr 29, 2016
Anders Berensson Architects designs 40-story wooden skyscraper for Stockholm
The structure, which will be made entirely out of cross-laminated timber, will rise 436 feet into the air, making it Stockholm’s tallest building.
High-rise Construction | Apr 28, 2016
bKL Architecture proposes world’s third tallest tower for China
The mixed-use H700 Shenzhen Tower will have sky gardens, angled recesses, and an attached plaza. It will trail only the Burj Khalifa and the Jeddah Tower in terms of height.
Mixed-Use | Apr 24, 2016
Atlanta’s Tech Square is establishing The ATL’s Midtown district as a premier innovation center
A much anticipated, Portman-developed tower project will include collaborative office spaces, a data center, and a retail plaza.
High-rise Construction | Apr 21, 2016
Ingenhoven Architects unveils plans for two Tokyo towers
The Toranomon District will add a business and a residential high-rise, both of which feature green and energy-efficient design.
High-rise Construction | Apr 20, 2016
OMA reveals designs for its first Tokyo skyscraper
The goal is for the Toranomon Hills Station Tower to transform its neighborhood and serve as a hub for international business.
High-rise Construction | Apr 12, 2016
Santiago Calatrava tower in Dubai could be taller than the Burj Khalifa
The slender structure will have 10 observation platforms, two Hanging Gardens decks, and a illuminating flower bud at the top.
Virtual Reality | Apr 8, 2016
Skanska will use Microsoft HoloLens to lease planned Seattle high rise
The mixed reality headset will allow people to take a holographic tour of the building while keeping visual contact with the leasing representative.
BIM and Information Technology | Apr 5, 2016
Interactive 3D map shows present and future Miami skyline
The Downtown Miami Interactive 3-D Skyline Map lets users see the status of every downtown office, retail, residential, and hotel project.
High-rise Construction | Mar 28, 2016
SOM’s Salt Lake City skyscraper uses innovative structural system to suspend itself over a neighboring building
The hat truss-supported office tower was topped off in January, rising 25 stories above the Salt Lake City streets.
High-rise Construction | Mar 18, 2016
'High-Rise' movie, based on the novel of the same name, headed to theaters
The story, which was originally thought to be a critique of London’s city planning, takes place in a high-rise divided to mimic the historical class structure of Western society.