As cities grow and available land becomes more limited, high-rise architecture plays an important role in addressing urban density while shaping new ways of living and working. Tall buildings are evolving beyond their traditional functions to integrate environmental strategies, enhance public engagement, and contribute to the urban fabric. Architects are exploring new materials, energy-efficient technologies, and spatial configurations that make towers more adaptable to their surroundings. Some projects incorporate green spaces and shared amenities to create a stronger connection between the built environment and its users, while others introduce innovative construction techniques to improve sustainability and efficiency.
Among this selection of projects submitted by the ArchDaily community, The Residences at 1428 Brickell by Arquitectonica in Miami, United States introduces a solar-powered facade that contributes to the building's energy needs. In Dubai, UAE, AVA by SOMA creates a transition from the city into a more enclosed, water-defined environment with a focus on luxury living. In Bangkok, Thailand, HAS Design and Research proposes the Bangkok Civic Center Tower as a new type of public space, combining green landscapes with mirrored surfaces to connect the city with nature. These projects reflect different approaches to vertical architecture and highlight how designers are responding to the challenges and opportunities of dense urban environments.
Read on to discover 8 high-rise designs rethinking urban density, with descriptions provided by the architects.
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Designing for Density: How Modernist Principles Continue to Shape Social Housing Solutions TodayThe Residences at 1428 Brickell / Arquitectonica
Florida, United States
Designed by Arquitectonica, with interiors by ACPV ARCHITECTS, The Residences at 1428 Brickell is a 70-story, 189-residence centerpiece of the quintessential Miami skyline developed by Miami-based developer Ytech. It will rise in Brickell as the first ever high-rise residential tower to be partially powered using solar energy, with 500 photovoltaic-integrated windows along the west-facing façade creating a"Solar Backbone" comprising nearly 20,000 square feet of energy-producing glass
AVA / SOMA
Dubai, UAE
Ava demarcates itself from all other luxury residential developments by an unprecedented offering of luxury amenities and bespoke facilities. Each residence is meticulously crafted to the highest standards and offers a unique and fully serviced lifestyle for the residents, their families and staff. The arrival experience for residents and visitors starts out with an unexpected disconnect from the urban realm as they leave the street and city noise and slowly begin their path of discovery towards their destination. Screened off by cascades of waterfalls, the building gradually appears as an isle, completely surrounded by an edgeless body of water that seamlessly extends towards the sea in a perfect continuity. The experience of crossing into the lobby enveloped with waterfalls is a transition from the urban to the surreal, into a welcoming soothing world that subtlety engulfs you within the bespoke world of wonders that Ava represents.
AlKhobar Tower / ON-A
Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Inspired by water as a symbol of life and prosperity, this transformation redefines the waterfront experience with the creation of a shopping center with entertainment and dining spaces on a pre-existing man-made island. The iconic Al Khobar Water Tower stands as a landmark of the city, embodying its rich history, culture, and modernity. Rising majestically above the skyline, the renovated structure offers breathtaking panoramic views, attracting tourists from far and wide. Beyond its primary function of supplying water, the project transforms the island upon which it stands into a vibrant destination. The tower serves as a reflection of Al Khobar's progress and commitment to growth, shaping its identity in profound ways. Positioned in a prime location with panoramic Persian Gulf vistas, the Al Khobar Water Tower renovation project strives to craft a functional, visually striking architectural gem. It aims to seamlessly blend with the community, championing an energy-efficient, sustainable design that sets a regional standard. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, it offers an immersive experience celebrating the city's cultural heritage. The 90 m high Al Khobar Water Tower plays a pivotal role in revitalizing the city's waterfront. Beyond supplying water, it seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, fostering a sense of connection and belonging for residents. The project introduces an efficient, sustainable design that establishes a benchmark for future regional development.
Aston Martin Headquarters / Kalbod Design Studio
London, United Kingdom
The description of Aston Martin Headquarters as three "things" places it in a relational object framework. Objects in this relation come into contact, intertwine, and perhaps even participate in a spiral movement, but their identities remain independent. In this project, the distinct positions of the museum, laboratories, and administrative spaces create a non-hierarchical relationship. The mysterious presence of a black object is another central theme in the headquarters' design. This darkness is not merely a force of erasure but acts as an intermediary space, creating a stark contrast between light and shadow that evokes the complexities within. The Aston Martin Headquarters complex features a visually distinct element – a 56-story administrative tower. This imposing structure, often referred to as the "black object," possesses the potential to become a prominent landmark within the urban environment. Furthermore, the complex incorporates dedicated spaces for distinct functions. The "Laboratories," a separate volume, emphasizes the importance of research and development activities within the company. Finally, the Aston Martin Museum, housed within the complex but designated as a separate entity, celebrates the brand's illustrious history dating back to 1913.
The Tree of Life / OLA Architecten
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
The housing shortage in The Netherlands is high and its solution cannot come from the government alone. That is why OLA Architecten from Rotterdam has come up with an ambitious and striking plan for 270 apartments at the end of the famous Kop van Zuid. That is not only an answer to the housing shortage, but also adds an iconic image to Rotterdam's famous skyline. A city park on this site is also inspired by the Manhattan New York Masterplan. Just as the transparent building of The Tree of Life in a solitary position was inspired by the original Masterplan Kop van Zuid by Teun Koolhaas from 1987. The technologies of the future used in the construction of facades go beyond the solutions known so far with regard to the self-sufficient energy of the building.
Skyview Twin Towers / Ehsan Masoud
Babolsar, Iran
The "Sky view" Towers project, started in 2022 on a 2526m² land, is up to 16th floor by winter 2024. Occupancy rate varies from 100% on lower floors to 70% on higher ones. Consultants were engaged for minor adjustments without changing original design. Duplex terraces, enhanced lighting, communal spaces, and green elements. Flexible geometric design ensures privacy. Project offers villa-like living with unique layouts. Redesign of parking lots could boost branding and economic model.
Cello Tower / Perkins Eastman
Las Vegas, United States
Designed by Perkins Eastman, with interiors by One Line Design Studio, Cello Tower represents a new caliber of living in Las Vegas. Rising 32 floors, each of the 240 residences and eight penthouses blend refined interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the Las Vegas skyline and mountains. With more than 40,000 SF of amenities across three floors, park-like landscapes throughout and a transformative retail destination at its base, Cello Tower stands as a beacon of modern luxury.
Bangkok Civic Center Tower / HAS design and research
Bangkok, Thailand
Architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee, founders of HAS Design and Research, proposed the "half-tower" form to symbolize the harmony between architecture and nature. One side features vertical green landscapes and a stone façade, grounding the building to the earth, while the other side, with mirrored glass and cable cars, embodies the fusion of urban life and nature. The Bangkok Civic Center Tower is not just an architectural marvel but a living model of public space, seamlessly connecting green belts.
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