German design practice Ingenhoven Architects has unveiled two brand new skyscrapers in Tokyo. The structures are set on either side of the city's tallest building—the Nihon Sekkei-designed Toranomon Hills Tower. Both of them have a similar aesthetic but are divergent in functionality. While one houses office spaces, the other is a residential apartment complex.
The lower levels of both skyscrapers are adorned with lush plant life. This exuberant greenery extends from the lower levels to the ground level too. This motif forms a bridge between the structures, creating a magnificent visual effect. On the other hand, by incorporating plant life to such an extent in its design plans, Ingenhoven Architects was able to also facilitate a publicly accessible plateau with "zones of calm amid the rush of this large city."
Image Credit: Ingenhoven Associates / HGEsch
What's Driving This Trend
- Green Skyscrapers
- Incorporating plant life into the design of skyscrapers as a way of promoting sustainability and providing city residents with green spaces.
- Mixed-use Buildings
- Designing buildings that serve multiple functions, such as housing and office space, in a way that creates a visually striking and functional whole.
- Publicly Accessible Plateaus
- Using the design of high-rise buildings to create public spaces for urban residents to enjoy, rather than solely as private or corporate spaces.
Who This Affects Most
- Architecture and Design
- Architects and designers can incorporate more green elements into their building designs, creating more visually striking and sustainable urban landscapes.
- Real Estate
- Developers can create mixed-use buildings that incorporate elements of green design, providing residents with appealing and sustainable living and working spaces.
- Urban Planning
- Planners can use the design of high-rise buildings to create public spaces for city residents, promoting community interaction and enhancing quality of life.
