Italian architecture firm Luca Curci Architects recently unveiled its ambitious vision for a huge skyscraper in the Middle East. The aptly-named Vertical City would rest on the sea bed and rise out of the water to a total height of 750 m (2,460 ft).
Envisioned for a calm stretch of water not too far from the mainland somewhere in the Middle East, Vertical City would be reachable via water, land, or air. Boats would dock at suitable spots on the skyscraper, and a heliport offers helicopter access. In addition, a semi-submerged bridge would enable pedestrians, cars and public transports to reach the tower.
If built, the skyscraper would be based on a number of modular prefabricated units that measure 72 m (236 ft) high, and have an overall diameter of 155 m (508 ft). In all, the tower would boast a total floorspace of 800,000 sq m (over 8 million sq ft), and include housing for up to 2,500 people in apartments, duplexes, and villas of varying size. Large public gardens and green areas would also be spread throughout the tower in a bid to promote a sense of community.
As if building a skyscraper that approaches the height of the Burj Khalifa in water wasn't a formidable enough challenge, Luca Curci also says it would also make the tower energy-independent.
"The singular shape of the structural element creates a 3-D network which sustains every single floor," says the firm. "The structure is surrounded by a membrane of photovoltaic glasses which provide electricity to the whole building and make it energy-independent, providing further energy for the buildings on the mainland too."
Naturally, we don't expect this particular proposal to be built any time soon, but as our cities become increasingly dense and lacking in prime building space, the idea of constructing huge residential towers offshore is certainly interesting.
Source: Luca Curci Architects
