# Exoskeleton Stepped-Back Skyscrapers Foster + Partners Constructed the BDO Unibank Inc Towers By Amy Duong | Published 2025-01-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bdo-unibank-inc References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2025/01/09/foster-partners-bdo-unibank-inc-campus-manila/) & [fosterandpartners](https://www.fosterandpartners.com/)  British design firm [Foster + Partners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tower-1) started the construction process of the [two stepped-back towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schieblocks) for the BDO Unibank Inc. campus. Located in Manila, Philippines, the structures are designed to support solar shading and meet the standards of structural stability. The studio alters five urban plots in the city to form the campus and the two towers are connected by a raised walkway. Each tower will have an exoskeleton to support the [woven metal-mesh screens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exp-building). Senior partner at Foster + Partners, Roland Schnizer shares, "The structure of the buildings is intentionally placed on the outside of their envelopes to actively shade the facades, while achieving an efficient structural design in a seismic zone. The exoskeletons create column-free spaces internally and support external solar shading screens." Image Credit: Foster + Partners ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 34% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Exoskeleton Architectural Design:** Using exoskeletons in skyscraper design offers the potential to revolutionize architectural aesthetics and functionalities by promoting column-free spaces. - **Sustainable Urban Development:** Stepped-back towers with solar shading elements are paving the way for more eco-friendly and energy-efficient urban architectures in densely populated areas. - **Seismic-resistant Infrastructure:** Innovative structural designs that include exoskeleton frameworks provide enhanced stability and safety for buildings in earthquake-prone regions. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture and Design:** Incorporating external structural elements into building designs encourages novel and sustainable approaches to urban architecture. - **Construction and Engineering:** Advancements in creating exoskeleton-structured towers are transforming construction techniques, focusing on sustainability and disaster resilience. - **Renewable Energy Solutions:** The integration of solar shading structures within building designs highlights a growing trend towards utilizing natural resources for energy conservation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Solar-Lined Energy Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tower-1.md) - [Sustainable Green-Integrated Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sudameris-plaza.md) - [Curved London Office Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/50-electric-boulevard.md) - [Spine-Based Central Design Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hangzhou-center.md) - [Supertall Miami Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1201-brickell-bay-drive.md) - [Everyday Material Colorful Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorful-pavilions.md) - [Stainless Steel-Wrapped Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exp-building.md) - [Gracefully Dynamic Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bond-tower.md) - [Village-Inspired Tapered Stone Airport](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foster-partners5.md)