The mega structure:
Defining omnipresent structures into innovative and composite planning is the main challenge in delivering contemporary mega architecture. The 2011 eVolo Skyscraper competition envisioned many such noteworthy designs. However, the one that really stood out and finally won the contest was Portugal’s Voronoi skyscraper conceived by the dream team of André Serpa, Bernardo Daupiás Alves, Egle Bazaraite, Jutta Rentsch and Marco Braizinha. The design visualizes the total magnitude of a city incorporated into one composite building.
What makes it mega?
The term Voronoi depicts diagrams in geometry where each space is split into spheres of influence. Influenced with this concept, the design team came up with this megastructure, which offers en suite a thriving city comprised of offices, entertainment, residences and commercial spaces connected with ample transportation all inside a skyscraper. It contains in compactness the effervescence of city life and the serenity and harmony of suburbs all linked with a sophisticated spiraling system of vertical transportation.
By sheltering away the residential units to the fringes of the building, the design bestows them with undisturbed peace from the centralized high-energy commercial zone.
Factbox
Designers: André Serpa, Bernardo Daupiás Alves, Egle Bazaraite, Jutta Rentsch, Marco Braizinha
Proposed Location: Portugal
Purpose: Mixed use for residential and commercial space
Eco-Credentials:
The vertical transportation facilities provided with the structure makes cars useless inside the premises. This factor not only contributes to the eco-cause but also adds a lot of power to its structural credentials. Furthermore, the arrangement of zoning out the residential units away from commercial spaces provides the essence of true city living. The whole edifice will be prepared from concrete and steel core while the structural skin will be primarily of steel frames following a cell-like pattern. This pattern allows wide lengths to house the residential units along with open recreational parks and other activity areas. Some of the homes also will boast of al fresco gardens giving onto the city horizon.
