Is That a Tower on Your Tundra or are You Just Happy to See Me?

[Tuckerfan]

Remember the giant tent that’s planned for the capital of Kazakhstan? (Official link, complete with sound here.) Well, Siberia’s decided to get in on the act.

The tower will provide a location for living, working, and leisure, designed sustainably to minimize site impact and be sensitive to the harsh Siberian climate. Never one to sacrifice aesthetics for function, Foster has cladded the 280-meter tower in faceted glass to maximize daylight through the winter months while reflecting natural light to illuminate the interior spaces.

In terms of green features, the tower centers around a South-facing atrium, which maximizes daylight and solar gain, minimizing the need for artificial lighting and providing insulation during the colder months. The structure will also rest lightly on the land and rely on renewable energy sources.

I gotta say that it’s not exactly a good looking design.