AsianTowers: November 2012

Friday, 30 November 2012

Daishin Securities Headquarters

When everyone is going the direction of irregular and organic forms thanks to the works of Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid, this particular office building proves that there is still a lot that can be done with rectilinear forms. With order and pure rectangular forms, we can still express architecture in a futuristic and pristine way that moves people's imagination. Not only is this building beautiful, it is no doubt much more cost effective compares to buildings by Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid.

Sunday, 25 November 2012

CWTC Beijing by SOM

aerial view of China World Trade Center by SOM in Beijing

facade details of China World Trade Center by SOM in Beijing

perspective of China World Trade Center by SOM in Beijing

Name: China World Trade Center (CWTC)

Architect: Skidmore Owing and Merrill LLP

Location: Beijing, China

Height: 280 meters

Unique Features:

The bamboo shoot or pagoda like form is driven by practical factors. The exterior curtain wall is deliberately slanted at 3 degrees off vertical in order that the facade of this immense building could be self cleaned in the dusty Beijing's environment. It also helps to reduce glare to occupants within the tower and the reflection of light away from the interior contribute to 8% of energy load reduction.

90 Days To Build Sky City One

Name: Sky City One

Location: China

Builder: Broad Sustainable Building (BSB) of the Broad Group

Height: 838 meters that contains 220 floors

Status: Awaiting Chinese authorities' approval.

Unique Features:

Will be the tallest building in the world once completed, taller than the Burj Khalifa in Dubai by 10 meters.
To be built in just 90 days!
95% of building materials in modular form which would be prefabricated and assembled prior to the commencement of construction on site.
It can accommodate up to 100,000 people and is envisioned to be a car free city.
Cost only US$628 million, much more cheaper compare to Burj Khalifa that costs $1.5 billion.

Sky City One compared to other skyscrapers around the world.

Taipei Nangang Office Tower - The Building Of The Curve

taipei nangang office tower next to highway

Aedas is renowned for designing some of the most thought provoking and controversial buildings in the past. There is no exception for this building in Taipei, Taiwan where they have given a new meaning to modern day skyscraper. A series of elliptical ring structures give this building its unique form that successfully separates itself from the ordinary conventional skyscrapers around it. Vertical landscaping is also deployed at its facade as sun shading device while enhance the appearance of its elevation at the same time.

Saturday, 24 November 2012

Aedas R&D's Tower For Taichung

night view of taichung tower design by aedas

Visionary Skyscraper Ideas

eVolo 2012 Skyscraper Competition

First Place

The Himalayas Water Tower

Second Place

Mountain Band-Aid

Honorable Mention

Airport Skyscraper

Honorable Mention

Human Rights Skyscraper In Beijing

Friday, 23 November 2012

Oasis Downtown

The award winning architectural firm of WOHA has once again challenges the mind of Singaporean with their Oasis Downtown project. The entire tower is blanketed with landscaping to express the sensibilities of tropical architecture. There are many existing buildings that were designed with vertical landscaping in mind, but never once that we come across a building which the entire structure from base to the top is clad not with aluminum panels but with landscape. Through this building, WOHA is experimenting with a new language of architecture that is perhaps more relevant to design skyscraper in this part of the world.