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Twisting Helicoidal Form Emphasizes Community Interaction in Urban Tower

Authors:
Felipe Giacomin Gripa, Betina De Biazzi, Daniel Regis Cardoso, Fábio Bellucci
Twisting Helicoidal Form Emphasizes Community Interaction in Urban Tower
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A helicoidal tower rises prominently along the Pinheiros River, utilizing a unique twisting form to create diverse spatial experiences and foster community interaction while integrating retail and office functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Helicoidal form creates dynamic floor plans with varying layouts.
02
Two legs meet at the top, framing a welcoming central plaza.
03
Mirrored surfaces enhance views while reflecting the surrounding environment.
04
Internal balconies provide access to greenery and natural light.
05
Strategically located at a major urban intersection to shield residential areas.

Vórtice, located on the western banks of the Pinheiros River in São Paulo, is a 60-story tower designed to stand as a significant feature within the urban landscape. The tower showcases a distinct architectural concept focused on movement. Its helicoidal form rotates slightly as it rises, creating a dynamic profile that draws the eye. This design not only enhances the tower's appearance but also offers a varied spatial experience for those inside.

Concept and Form

The concept behind Vórtice emphasizes the idea of motion through a unique twisting structure. Each slab of the tower is rotated five degrees from the one below, which creates distinct floor plans on each level. This method results in an exterior marked by mirrored helicoidal lines, giving the façade an intriguing visual appeal while allowing for changing views as occupants move through the building.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the tower is carefully considered, employing two legs that rise from the site’s corners. These legs meet at the top, forming a central plaza that becomes a gathering space for residents and visitors alike. The northern leg contains public amenities such as retail offices and galleries, while the southern leg is dedicated to working spaces, featuring coworking areas and a library. This design provides a balance between public engagement and private functionality.

Contextual Integration

Positioned at a key intersection between an urban highway and a major avenue, Vórtice plays an important role in the local environment. The tower helps shield nearby residential areas from heavy traffic, enhancing the neighborhood's livability. Pedestrian pathways are carefully integrated to promote easy movement throughout the area, allowing for a convenient link between the tower and its surroundings. The central plaza offers a welcoming space that encourages interaction among people.

Design Details

The building's form is designed to let natural light in while promoting air circulation. The twisting structure features balconies created by the intersecting helicoids, which not only enhance the visual interest but also allow for green spaces within the building. This integration of nature within the architecture highlights a commitment to creating a pleasant and engaging environment, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to urban living.

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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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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 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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