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As the world grows vertically, with buildings reaching heights of one kilometre, a feat previously thought to be impossible, international architects have to think outside the box to ensure their creations stand out from the skyline. Unconventional designs are appearing everywhere. Twisting towers have hit their peak in popularity following the numerous design awards granted to Turning Torso in Malmö, Sweden, and highrises are more commonly incorporating greenery into their designs. A gleaming 75-storey tower has risen above the busy streets of Bangkok, utilizing both twisting and natural elements while making a strong architectural statement in the process.
MahaNakhon is a mixed-use tower now topping out at a height of 314 metres. Built by Thai real estate company PACE Development and global firm Industrial Buildings Corporation, the structure contains more than 135,000 square metres of mixed-use space. A spacious multilevel rooftop bar provides unobstructed views of the city as MahaNakhon is now the tallest building in Bangkok.
The middle and upper sections of the tower host the luxurious Ritz Carlton residences, and just below, 159 rooms comprise The Bangkok Edition signature boutique hotel. At ground level, a series of stepped elevations form the MahaNakhon Terraces, an upscale retail centre with shops, restaurants, cafes, and a 24-hour marketplace. It is bordered by a large landscaped plaza which has been designed for public use. The incorporation of trees and shrubs allows the tower to make a stronger connection with its surroundings.
German architect Ole Scheeren, who was a partner at the Office for Metropolitan Architecture at the time, designed the sculptural tower. A pixelated spiral consisting of cuboid blocks elegantly carves the curtain wall glass facade of the building. Stretching the building's full height, these revealing sections have been designed to maximize the panoramic views afforded to residents.
MahaNakhon is now almost fully clad as work on the rooftop continues. Photos from Flickr users Thomas Bjørnstad and Mr. Cat show the skyscraper's placement in the skyline as it towers over its neighbours. The building is expected to open later this year to great acclaim.
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