Currently on the rise in Sydney, The Ribbon, as designed by Hassel for Grocon, will soon become one of the most distinctive pieces of architecture on the central waterfront since the Sydney Opera House. Set to rise between two elevated expressways, The Ribbon will form a gateway of sorts between the Central Business District and Darling Harbour. 

The Ribbon, as it will appear upon completion, image via Hassel

Emblazoned with the IMAX logo in the rendering above, The Ribbon will be a multi-use structure, its 25 storeys to consist of a mix of 400 hotel rooms, 140 apartments, offices, and 1,800 square metres of retail space in addition to an IMAX theatre and 10,000 square-metre entertainment complex. 

Interior view of The Ribbon, image via Hassel

Named "The Ribbon" due to both its undulating, organic design, as well as the fact that it sits astride two "ribbons" of roadway, the project will command a great deal of attention owing to its distinctive form and stance. 

Elevator shaft rising between elevated expressways, image by Forum contributor Daveography

Visible above and below, it is still early days in terms of construction, the rise of the cement encased elevator shaft from between the aforementioned elevated expressways, today all that is visible of the project soon to add a sizeable amount of visual interest to the local skyline. 

The Ribbon, urban context view, image by Forum contributor Daveography

Viewed again in its larger urban context, The Ribbon will more than likely be a welcome addition to downtown Sidney, the bustling harbour and central waterfront a major draw for tourists and locals alike. 

SkyriseCities will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.