Warsaw Landmark Tower
A series of interlocking rectangular volumes have been presented by Danish design studio schmidt hammer lassen architects for a striking 188m-high commercial tower in the financial district of central Warsaw, Poland. The proposal won a competition for a high rise office building in a prime commercial area as John Lassen, Founding Partner of schmidt hammer lassen explains: “The object of the competition was to design an office tower that will be a new landmark in the Warsaw skyline while at the same time capturing the full potential of the outstanding historic location.” To achieve these goals the firm has inserted a generous open lobby to provide visual connections between a plaza at the front of the structure and the courtyards of a series of historical tenement houses to the south of the site. The three building volumes have also been stepped in height, increasing in an easterly direction, with tilted rooflines to preserve optimal light conditions for adjacent buildings. Kim Holst Jensen, Partner at schmidt hammer lassen details: “The design of the building offers a spatial coherence between roof and street level. The lobby at street level, with its spectacular shaped ceiling, corresponds with the sloping shapes of the rooftops, making the building perceive as a sculptural object.” As with all schmidt hammer lassen projects, this commercial facility is aiming for top sustainability credentials, such as BREEAM Excellent or LEED Gold. To this end the sloping roofs will be lined with photovoltaic panels and systems for rainwater harvesting, while a modular façade system with floor to ceiling glass elements will be installed to enhance in the level of natural light that penetrates the building.
schmidt hammer lassen architects