The whimsical MahaNakhon in Bangkok has officially taken its place as the tallest building in Thailand. The 75-storey tower, which rises to a height of 314 metres, has attracted significant attention for its signature sculptural ribbon, which spirals upwards across all four elevations. This pixelated helix glimmered in light on August 29, when the mixed-use building officially opened with a dazzling light show.

Spearheaded by PACE Development — who recorded the display in the video above — the project was unveiled in 2009 by the Office for Metropolitan Architecture. The final design, which incorporates space for a hotel, retail, and 200 condominiums managed by Ritz Carlton Residences, was carried out by Berlin-based Büro Ole Scheeren. To cement its position in the sky, the $520 million USD supertall skyscraper also boasts an observation deck that will produce the highest views of the city. 

MahaNakhon opens to a dazzling light show, image courtesy of Flickr user Sekson Fuang-rob

The disintegrating roof is the result of a mandated setback line that angled inward, a design requirement that helped inform the unorthodox language of the building. The corroded sections of the tower leaves approximately 30 percent of the structure overhanging the street. MahaNakhon, meaning 'great metropolis', features a landscaped plaza at its base that is complemented by 10,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. 

MahaNakhon lights up the night, image courtesy of Flickr user Khita K.

In a move to capture the ceremony from all angles, PACE Development offered prizes to people who posted their images and videos to social media. Correspondingly, a throng of photographers showed up to point their cameras at the shimmering tower as a changing display of colours illuminated the exterior and its immediate surroundings. Beams of light shot out from the pixelated sections and the pinnacle, making the spectacular show visible from kilometres away. By day and night, the skyline has been graced with a new landmark that has quickly become an icon in Thailand's capital city.

MahaNakhon illuminated in the colours of Thailand's flag, image courtesy of Flickr user Sekson Fuang-rob

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