The Symbol of Phoenix
BIG is commissioned by Novawest to design a 128 m (420 ft) tall mixeduse observation tower to serve as a symbol for the city of Phoenix, Arizona. Located in downtown Phoenix, the 6503 sq.m (70,000 sf) Observation Tower shall add a significant structure to the Phoenix skyline from which to enjoy the city’s spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges and dramatic sunsets. Phoenix-based developer Novawest, commissioned the team to create a destination event to provide tourists and citizens of Phoenix alike the chance to enjoy the unique features of the Valley of the Sun.
“This is the right place and the right time for a signature project for downtown Phoenix and we knew the design needed to be something extraordinary. BIG has delivered something exceptional, blending form and function in a way that will change the local skyline forever and will give visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” – said Brian Stowell, Novawest.
The Inverse Guggenheim
The most iconic piece of architecture in New York, and one of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Guggenheim Museum offers the unique experience of art display in motion. The art promenade evolves around the void in its center, the museum atrium. The movement emphasizes the focus to the interior. By inversing this diagram, the focus is now placed to the city. The experience of observing the area becomes dynamic, offering a constantly changing view.
The visitor can regulate the rhythm of the experience through the pace of his or her walking. The future observation tower is conceived as a tall core of reinforced concrete with an open-air spiral sphere at its top, resembling a metaphorical pin firmly marking a location on a map. The spiraling sphere contains flexible exhibition, retail and recreational spaces which are accessed via three glass elevators that connect the base with the summit and offer panoramic views of the city and the tower’s programs as visitors ascend or descend.
Walking downwards from the top through a continuous spiral promenade, the visitors of the observation tower experience all of the building’s programs in a constant motion, while enjoying dynamic 360 degree views of the city of Phoenix and the Arizonian landscape. “Like the monsoons, the haboobs and the mountains of the surrounding Arizonian landscape, the Pin becomes a point of reference and a mechanism to set the landscape in motion through the movement of the spectator. Like the Guggenheim museum of New York offers visitors a unique art experience descending around its central void, the motion at the Pin is turned inside-out allowing visitors to contemplate the surrounding city and landscape of Phoenix. Like a heavenly body hovering above the city the Pin will allow visitors to descend from pole to pole in a dynamic three dimensional experience seemingly suspended in midair. “Bjarke Ingels, Founding Partner, BIG.
Phoenix Observation Tower
Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Type: Commission
Height: 128 m
Size: 6 503 sq.m (70,000 sq.f)
Client: Novawest
Collaborators: MKA (structure), Atelier10 (sustainability), Gensler (local architect), TenEyck (landscape)
Partner in Charge: Bjarke Ingels and Thomas Christoffersen
Project Leader: Iannis Kandyliaris
Team: Thomas Fagan, Aaron Hales, Ola Hariri, Dennis Harvey, Beat Schenk
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Материалы предоставлены архитектурным бюро BIG