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Twisting Towers with Integrated Sky-Lobbies for Mixed-Use Community

Authors:
Gabrielle Begin, Youssef Alnabulsi
Twisting Towers with Integrated Sky-Lobbies for Mixed-Use Community
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The twisting towers at 400 meters and 150 meters, enhanced by sky-lobbies, redefine urban living in Riyadh by seamlessly integrating residential, office, and retail spaces into a cohesive community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Twisting structure minimizes wind impact at higher elevations.
02
Sky-lobbies create social gathering spaces within the towers.
03
Integrated mixed-use functions enhance community accessibility.
04
Distinctive heights of 400 meters and 150 meters provide skyline variation.
05
Design responds to Riyadh's evolving cultural landscape.

Located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the design features two twisting towers that reflect modern urban development. The project accommodates mixed-use functions, including residential, office, and retail spaces. The overall concept engages with the local context while addressing the needs of a growing city.

TWISTING TOWERS

The design includes one tower that rises to 400 meters and another that reaches 150 meters. The twisting shape of the towers serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose. It interacts with the wind, helping to reduce uncomfortable gusts experienced at higher elevations. This thoughtful design approach contributes to a more pleasant environment for those who inhabit or visit the spaces within.

SKY-LOBBIES

Incorporating sky-lobbies creates vertical voids in the structure, breaking away from the typical uniformity of high-rise designs. These areas provide places for people to gather and engage, promoting social interaction. They make it easier for residents and visitors to connect, turning the towers into more than just buildings; they become community spaces.

INTEGRATED AMENITIES

Retail and leisure spaces are strategically connected to the towers via a central lobby, making access straightforward for users. The design supports various activities, including contemporary dining options that invite a diverse audience. This focus on accessibility and inclusion reflects changing social dynamics in Saudi Arabia.

The combination of the twisting towers, the innovative sky-lobbies, and the well-integrated amenities highlights a modern response to urban planning in Riyadh. The architecture offers a blend of functionality and social experience that aligns with the evolving cultural landscape.

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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

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

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