The super innovative and award-winning architecture recently revealed their newest proposal for the French Dream Towers, a complex of four highly stylized and environmentally friendly towers. These futuristic and organic structures are mainly created out of glass, but they also feature panels of micro-algae, allowing them all to counterbalance their respective impacts on the environment. Architecture that embraces nature.
What is now called “Biofacades” work with the planet in a variety of ways. The best part about this project is that since the building materials have been fused with living, photosynthetic organisms, the towers will actually be able to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. Additionally, the algae will serve as a clean and efficient form of insulation. In a similar way, it will also depend on the heat generated by the buildings themselves. The architects explain that the towers’ exteriors “allow symbiosis: the biofacade uses the thermal building to regulate the culture temperature of algae and at the same time these facades allow a much better insulation of buildings.” This is architecture working with the environment, which is genius.
Since water is a large part of the city’s industry and culture, the architects created the super high-rise with that history in mind. The towers are located around one of Hangzhou’s central bodies of water. The structures’ natural sloped shapes will also allow for extensive rainwater harvesting. Rainwater will travel down the sides of the twisted towers and gather in a collective basin below the connected high-rises.
The tops of the highest towers will hold greenhouses, not only for the benefit of the planet, but also for the mental well-being of the building’s occupants. These epic spaces are expected to provide fresh air in a lush and tranquil area for relaxation and reflection. Architecture that keeps the occupants in touch with nature is wonderful.
Each of the four towers will be dedicated exclusively to “French Expertise,” though the complex will still be a very mixed-use development. A tower centered around “Haute Gastronomie,” meaning “high-end cuisine,” will be full of French, fusion, and bio-fresh restaurants. This section of the complex will also house a panoramic view bar. Another part of the complex will hold the “French Tech Hub,” consisting of offices, co-working spaces, and a digital entertainment cluster. The “Hospitality” tower boasts a hotel, a spa, and a healthcare center. Finally, the “Art Center” will accommodate artists’ residences, farmers’ markets, and galleries.
The Paris-based firm was founded by two architects, Anouk Legendre and Nicolas Desmazieres, who firmly believe that biotechnology is the way of the future. This is the kind of architecture that changes the world and in such a positive way. Their website outlines their top priorities, noting that the firm “specializes primarily in academic and environmental research in addition to residential and cultural buildings.” This is the future.
Previous works of the firm include the French Pavillion, and a Museum of Civilizations. Because of that area’s dry, hot climate, the museum was given a spiraling arrangement with several meticulously positioned openings. This firm works with the surrounding environment connecting occupants with nature. The buildings they create are like living organism themselves. Architecture and Design firm XTU Architects focuses on things like openings which allow natural air to pass through and cool down the building organically. Absolute genius!
Natural Architecture is the Future!
