The Absolute Tower : Architecture Information + Images

ABSOLUTE TOWERS Client: Fernbrook Homes/Cityzen Development Group Status: First prize in international competition. Under Construction Location: Mississauga, nr Toronto, Canada Type: Residential Apartments Building Area: Phase 4: 45,000 sqm; Phase 5: 40,000 sqm Building Height: Phase 4: 56 stories/170 m; Phase 5: 50 stories/150 m Directors in Charge: Ma Yansong, Yosuke Hayano, Dang Qun Design Team: Shen Jun, Robert Groessinger, Florian Pucher, Yi Wenzhen, Hao Yi, Yao Mengyao, Zhao Fan, Liu Yuan, Zhao Wei, Li Kunjuan, Yu Kui, Max Lonnqvist, Eric Spencer. PROJECT SUMMARY Modernism has a famous motto: A house is a machine for living in. However, as we increasingly leave the machine age behind, we are left with a question: what message should architecture convey today? What is a house for now? Like other fast developing suburbs in North America, Mississauga is seeking a new identity. We want to take this opportunity to respond to the needs of an expanding city, to create a landmark that can be loved by the people who live there. In place of the simple, functional logic of modernism, our design expresses the complex and multiple needs of contemporary society. This building is more than just a functional machine: it responds to its location at the junction of two main streets to become a gateway that signifies entrance to a city. It is something beautiful, sculptural and human. On site - new images 16 Mar 2009: Despite its landmark status, the emphasis is not solely on height. In our design, a continuous balcony surrounds the whole building, eliminating the vertical barriers that are traditionally used in high rise architecture. The entire building rotates by different degrees at different levels, corresponding with the surrounding scenery. Our aim is to provide 360 degree views, to awaken the city dweller’s appreciation of nature, and to get them in touch with the sunlight and the wind. The Absolute Tower has been nicknamed Marilyn Monroe by the locals. Absolute Tower Mississauga images / information from MAD Aug 2008 / 160309