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
High-rise Construction | Sep 15, 2015
Developers tap crowdfunding investors to finance construction and renovation projects
The world’s first crowdfunded skyscraper is near completion in Colombia.
High-rise Construction | Sep 10, 2015
New York’s Central Park Tower loses its spire but still adds some height
This building, the tallest under development at the moment, is the latest manifestation of the city’s luxury residential construction boom.
High-rise Construction | Sep 3, 2015
Rafael Viñoly's 'Walkie-Talkie' tower named U.K.'s worst new building
The curved, glass tower at 20 Fenchurch Street in London has been known to reflect intense heat onto the streets below (in one instance damaging a car) and cause severe wind gusts.
High-rise Construction | Sep 2, 2015
Nashville officials and residents weigh the pros and cons of taller, thinner skyscrapers
One developer proposes building a 38-story tower on a half-acre of land.
Retail Centers | Aug 31, 2015
Urban developers add supermarkets to the mixes
Several high-rise projects include street-level Whole Foods Markets.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 27, 2015
Architects propose shipping container tower to replace slums
The firm says approximately 2,500 containers would be needed to complete the design, which aims to accommodate as many as 5,000 people.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 25, 2015
London multifamily building to have transparent swimming pool designed by Arup
Residents and visitors will be able to swim 10 stories above ground, and see views of London.
High-rise Construction | Aug 14, 2015
Pei Cobb Freed designs ‘glass sail’ tower for Shenzhen
The 29-story tower won’t be the tallest in the city, but it will set itself apart from surrounding, glimmering towers with gently curved façades, resembling sails blown by the wind.
High-rise Construction | Aug 12, 2015
Construction begins for Kengo Kuma-designed twisted Rolex tower in Dallas
Japanese architect Kengo Kuma designs tower with gradually rotating floor plates for Rolex's new office in Dallas.
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.
