Tensegrity Tower is a sustainable, storm-inspired conceptual post-Covid workplace in the city centre integrating the Hyperloop, a high-speed mass transit system that connects people with the city and wider context. To resolve such a complex proposal, the project started with a small-scale Thunderstorm Pavilion.
When observing a storm, there are various feelings at once. Stress, worry, anxiety, but also excitement, power, curiosity, and inspiration. The pavilion was designed to test how these different atmospheres could be integrated into an architectural installation. To recreate the fractals of lightning in the air, the tensegrity structure was used. It works on a principle of tensile and compressive elements supporting each other resulting in a self-suspended structure.
Cyclones are a big part of the recent climate change. Their spinning movement was one of the aspects, that inspired the overall form of the tower. Tensegrity structure functions as a shading element of the internal environment to reduce the energy used for cooling. The Hyperloop system, being powered by electricity and magnetism, helps to decrease the number of greenhouse gases in the air. This scheme proposes a car-less city concept as well as touches on the topic of transforming the infrastructure of the city.
The internal spaces of the tower include the office spaces which are a major part of the programme. These are designed with the attention to health and well-being offering naturally ventilated spaces through the structural spirals.
The tower also offers various opportunities for both indoor and outdoor activities and amenities supporting local communities and their small businesses.
Overall, the Tensegrity Tower reacts to climate change with its use of modern technology and learns from the pandemic by creating a healthier and more flexible working environment.
