In this blog, architect Colin Franzen takes a look at the innovative fusion of skyscrapers and nature. His emphasis on seamlessly blending these elements reshapes traditional urban design, offering a fresh perspective on architectural norms.
In the realm of high-rise buildings where concrete and steel dominate the landscape, a subtle revolution is taking place—one that brings nature back into the heart of urban environments. The integration of gardens, public green spaces, and terraces into high-rise structures is a challenging yet fascinating concept. Here are three of my favorite projects, each highlighting a distinct approach to humanizing high-density spaces.
The Senate Building, Manila, Philippines
This building really captures the essence of "elevating the outdoors". Winner of an international design competition in 2018 it’s now under construction. The key innovation here was the placement of a plenary hall at the center, surrounded by four towers that not only reflect the local culture but also create an egalitarian atmosphere. Our focus in this project was on public space, resulting in an elevated building that allows for a public plaza underneath and a private roof garden on top. Open green spaces were incorporated within the towers as outdoor terraces, providing building users with access to nature, shading and community spaces on every level.
Jin Mao Wenzhou Tower + Pullman Hotel, Mainland China
The 420.5 meter tall, 88-story, landmark Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai, Mainland China contains a shopping mall, offices and the Grand Hyatt Shanghai hotel. With its mix of offices on the lower floors and hotel at the top, the Tower seamlessly integrates functionality with aesthetics. Two large terraces cantilever out of the buildings, creating a raised garden that provides a unique space for users to connect with nature within the building. The sky lobby of the 240-meter tall, 46-story hotel extends into a big garden terrace, offering panoramic views of the city and the ocean. This integration of outdoor terraces not only enriches the building aesthetically but also provides a serene retreat for its occupants.
Esong Tianfu Tower + Six Senses Hotel, Mainland China
This tower exemplifies the trend of integrating nature into urban spaces. By lifting the building slightly off the ground, a vast drop-off area was created, leading to a hotel. At the top of the podium, we meticulously coordinated all the MEP equipment to allow for the creation of a large, covered terrace that will be used by the hotel operator as an outdoor dining space, as well as a garden for the planting and growing of food. As we go up the 320-meter tower, we’re greeted with several sky lobbies and terraces, promoting the idea of connecting with nature at different levels of the building.
Challenges and Triumphs: Bringing Nature to the Skyline
While these projects embody the beauty of merging nature with urban architecture, making that happen is very challenging. Technical intricacies and the conventional placement of MEP equipment on rooftops often hinder the creation of outdoor spaces. Overcoming these challenges requires extensive collaboration to minimize mechanical clutter and free up and make these spaces usable.
From a human-centric perspective, the introduction of outdoor terraces and gardens, especially in high rise buildings, is a great way to give people access to greenery without having to leave the building. This thoughtful integration not only enhances the quality of life for the building's occupants but also enriches the human experience within these structures, fostering a deeper connection with nature.