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Elevated Greenery and Rotational Cylinders in Urban Office Design

Author:
Fadi Salloum
Elevated Greenery and Rotational Cylinders in Urban Office Design
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Rotating cylindrical forms with integrated green spaces redefine the urban office environment, promoting employee well-being and connectivity in a dynamic workspace.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rotating design shifts by 120 degrees every four floors.
02
Three interconnected elliptical cylinders enhance spatial dynamics.
03
Internal gardens accessible from each office unit promote nature interaction.
04
Vertical circulation optimized with strategically placed lift clusters.
05
Designed specifically to address limited green space in urban settings.

The VIM Tower is located in New York City and redefines the office environment with a focus on employee well-being. In a setting where many workers express dissatisfaction with their workspaces, the design aims to create a more engaging and nature-oriented atmosphere. By incorporating open green spaces within its structure, the VIM Tower encourages a productive and fulfilling workplace.

Design Concept

The concept revolves around modular office spaces that are enhanced by internal gardens. The building features three elliptical-shaped cylindrical forms that rise upwards. Vertical circulation is managed by lift clusters that are arranged symmetrically between the cylinders. Each cluster consists of three lifts, which ensures that movement throughout the building is efficient and straightforward.



Dynamic Interaction

A key feature of the VIM Tower is its rotational design, where the structure shifts by 120 degrees every four floors. This rotation fosters dynamic interactions between the office spaces and the gardens. It enhances visual connectivity and encourages engagement among the occupants. Each module contains a garden that is accessible from neighboring office units, reinforcing the link between work and nature.



Contextual Response

Designed specifically for New York City, the tower addresses the challenges of the urban landscape, where green spaces are limited. By incorporating communal areas and gardens, the VIM Tower provides much-needed relief from the busy city life. These spaces promote relaxation and mental clarity, helping to balance the demands of modern work.



Spatial Organization

The layout of the building is organized to improve user experience and facilitate informal interactions among employees. Communal areas and round staircases lead to patio spaces, encouraging collaboration and connection. This thoughtful arrangement aligns with the current trend of creating workplaces that recognize the importance of community in enhancing productivity and job satisfaction.



At each level, the gardens offer a layered environment, allowing employees to immerse themselves in greenery. This creates a refreshing atmosphere that stands in contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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