The Endless City is a new skyscraper concept from London-based SURE Architecture that proposes exactly what it says on the tin: a building that is not an enclosure within the larger space of a city, but a continuation of that city.
Two ramps extend throughout the entire building, connecting all the floors in one continuous run, Architecture Lab reports. The project received first place in the 2014 Organic Skyscraper competition, held by SuperSkyScrapers.
"Rather than superimposing one floor on top of another without real continuity, our project is thought of as two endless ramps, rising gradually with a low gradient from the ground floor to the sky," said the architects in a statement. "There is no break anywhere; neither between the street level and the skyscraper, nor between the skyscraper floors themselves."
When people enter the building, they will be greeted by continuous spatial concentrations, and the places where their eyes land will be guided by the architecture. In other words, the design is trying to change how people interact with both the architecture and each other.
The ramps that extend throughout the skyscraper are irregular and lead to many different areas, such as commercial zones, technology zones, parks, auditoriums, and quiet areas. Multiple plazas, each with their own atmosphere, are meant to create high levels of pedestrian movement throughout the tower.
The shape of the building is meant to minimize artificial lighting, ventilation, and cooling needs.
Related Stories
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jul 18, 2016
Turner and AECOM will build the Los Angeles Rams’ new multi-billion dollar stadium project
The 70,000-seat stadium will be ready by the 2019 NFL season. The surrounding mixed-use development includes space for retail, hotels, and public parks.
High-rise Construction | Jul 15, 2016
Zaha Hadid designs geometric flower-shaped tower for sustainable Qatar city
The 38-story building will have a mashrabiya latticed facade with hotel and residential space inside.
Building Team | Jul 11, 2016
Design-assist: The way to really fly [AIA course]
Experts explain the benefits of DA, a process where the subcontractors are retained to assist other Building Team members in the development of a design. Earn 1.0 AIA CES learning units by reading and taking the exam.
Building Team | Jul 11, 2016
Addressing client concerns about design-assist
Common concerns about DA include lack of familiarity, obtaining competitive pricing, and design liability.
Sponsored | Building Team | Jul 11, 2016
Construction Disruption at AECX: Technology, hackathons and the promise of change in LA
The lead up to AECX featured a discussion providing insight into the current state of the AEC technological revolution by exploring opportunities, challenges and choices AEC pros face.
Green | Jul 1, 2016
Perkins Eastman pledges to use EDGE green building system for five upcoming international projects
The firm will partner with the International Finance Corporation to promote sustainable building in emerging markets like India and China.
Healthcare Facilities | Jul 1, 2016
AIA releases summary of the 2016 Design and Health Research Consortium
Consortium members discussed how architects, designers, and health professionals can best apply design and health research in their communities.
Architects | Jun 30, 2016
The year's best small projects include a floating sauna, dental trailer, and smocked porch
AIA chose the 2016 recipients of the Small Project Awards. Every entry cost less than $1.5 million to build, with one as low as $900.
Architects | Jun 29, 2016
AIA: Healthy demand for all building types signaled in Architecture Billings Index
Recent client interest could signal resurgence for institutional market. May's ABI score was the highest mark in nearly a year.
Architects | Jun 28, 2016
5 easy ways architects can increase their profits
Whitehorn Financial Managing Principal Steve Whitehorn offers effective ways to recoup lost revenue, including a few strategies that capitalize on recent changes to the federal tax code.