Apparently, the concept of the ‘Fibrous Towers of Multiple Natures’, has its foundations in the Austrian architectural practice called, Soma. The project redefines the nature of skyscrapers in an urban landscape, biomimetically. This implies that the design is calibrated to remain in sync with nature, and at the same time, adjusts to provide a comfortable living to its inhabitants.
The physical structure of the tower is a visual feat. It comprises of a fibrous tower that rises as a vertical typology and dissolves as it reaches the base, where the legs touchdown in a manner to let people stroll between them. The tower consists of eight tower legs in total that have been connected by diagonal beams for better stability and stiffness. The canopy below has a non hierarchical structure, which encloses open areas and green spaces. The outer legs of the tower have been expanded outward and create platforms that are to be used as observatories by the public.
What makes this design more special and worthy is its zero carbon orientation. The self sufficient structure produces it own energy on site from renewable sources. Photovoltic panels have been integrated into the roof of the museum and the exhibition spaces. For allowing natural light to drape the structure during day time, efficient crystalline modules are applied to the opaque roof area and it is fitted with semi transparent cells for letting the light permeate. PV system has been applied to the skin of the tower, making the entire structure a solar absorber.
The design of the tower is exemplary of how we can use natural resources responsibly for architectural innovation. Its piezoelectric halms produce energy by movement and can be seen as floating swarms of particles. Replicating the opening mechanism of flowers, the biomimetic lamellas open and close according to the weather conditions and protect the visitors from the wind and the sun.
The fibrous tower is indented to be a cultural landmark, which would be used as an observation tower and feature the Taichung city museum and a park. The concept has already won credibility and grabbed the second position at the Taiwan Tower International Competition in Taichung. Soma does not wish to accredit the structure with a particular message, but, instead wants people to use their imagination for interpreting the purpose openly.
Via: Archdaily
