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Cylindrical Restroom Facilities in a Reinforced Concrete Tower

Authors:
Francesco Bottaro, Cesare Cantoni
Cylindrical Restroom Facilities in a Reinforced Concrete Tower
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An inverted cone-shaped observation tower, constructed with reinforced concrete and featuring cylindrical restroom facilities, offers panoramic views of Kurgi Farm while facilitating public engagement with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inverted cone structure enhances verticality and visual impact.
02
Central reinforced concrete nucleus supports the tapered design.
03
Cylindrical restroom facilities optimize space and accessibility.
04
Panoramic terrace promotes engagement with the natural environment.
05
Natural lighting is maximized through open 360-degree layouts.

The observation tower located in the Nord-West section of Kurgi Farm stands at a height of 35 meters. It features an inverted truncated cone shape, which starts with a circular base of 6.70 meters in diameter and tapers to a width of 15 meters at the top. The tower functions as an observation point, allowing visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape while also serving as a noticeable landmark.

Structural Integrity
The tower is supported by a base that is buried 5 meters deep, adding stability necessary for such height. The building comprises five covered levels, featuring a central nucleus made of reinforced concrete that secures the tapering slabs. This setup ensures that the tower remains robust while providing open spaces at each level that enhance the visitor experience.

Access and Mobility
Visitors can move between levels through an internal elevator and helical stairs which wrap around the central nucleus. This design promotes ease of movement while encouraging exploration of the various areas within the tower. The upper levels are designed to provide wide-ranging views, culminating in a terrace that encourages observation of the Kurgi Farm landscape.

Amenities and Functionality
The fourth floor includes cylindrical restroom facilities that meet the needs of all visitors, including those with disabilities. The attention to functionality continues on the fifth level, which features a fully glazed circular area that allows for abundant natural light and clear views of the environment. Furnished with a bar counter, it creates a comfortable space for relaxation and social interaction.

Lighting and Atmosphere
Natural light plays a key role in the design of the tower, made possible by the open layout on each floor. The lighting strategy incorporates embedded light points within the lower surfaces of the concrete slabs, providing illumination at night. Additional small spotlights between the wooden columns at the base enhance the tower's visibility, creating an inviting environment after dark.

The uppermost terrace offers visitors unobstructed views of the expansive landscape, making it a place for contemplation and appreciation of the surrounding nature.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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