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Curved Glass Facade with Sustainable Steel Elements in a High-Rise Office Tower

Author:
Nathaniel Berk
Curved Glass Facade with Sustainable Steel Elements in a High-Rise Office Tower

Project in-detail

A twisting form clad in a transparent glass facade and supported by curved steel elements exemplifies modern high-rise design, creating a vibrant office tower that enhances community interaction in San Diego.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower incorporates a twisting form that enhances structural efficiency and visual impact.
02
Extensive use of glass maximizes natural daylight while providing panoramic city views.
03
Curved steel elements create a distinctive aesthetic while ensuring structural integrity.
04
Green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems promote sustainability and resource efficiency.
05
Public plazas and gardens foster community interaction and connectivity within the urban landscape.

The project, titled "High Profile," is an office tower located in San Diego, California. It reaches a height of 1,400 feet and offers a modern space designed to foster productivity while enhancing the community's interaction with the environment. The building aims to integrate work and public engagement through its architectural form and layout. The design emphasizes fluidity and movement, utilizing natural inspiration to create a structure that resonates with both the urban fabric and landscape of San Diego.

Unique Design Aspects

One distinct feature of the project is its curved form, which creates a sense of dynamism and responsiveness to both environmental conditions and the surrounding context. This twisting shape mimics natural forms, setting it apart from traditional rectangular skyscrapers. The vertical emphasis of the structure not only highlights its height but also directs visual attention upwards, contributing to an iconic presence within the city skyline.

The façade utilizes a combination of glass and curved steel elements, ensuring optimal daylighting while providing expansive views of the surrounding landscape. This integration of materials reflects a thoughtful approach to both aesthetics and functionality. The extensive use of glass facilitates transparency and a connection to the outdoors, essential in a city known for its pleasant climate.

Sustainability and Community Integration

The project prioritizes sustainability through various design strategies, including the incorporation of green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems. These features enhance the building's performance in energy efficiency, which is vital for modern architectural practice. Public spaces, such as plazas and gardens, are also integral to the design, facilitating community engagement and making the tower a focal point in the urban environment. The pathways encourage pedestrian movement and connect the tower with other significant areas, promoting a sense of unity within the local landscape.

The "High Profile" project serves as a case study in contemporary architectural design, where aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability converge. For more detailed insights into the architectural ideas, architectural plans, and architectural sections associated with this project, interested readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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