BEEAH HEADQUARTERS SHARJAH
BEEAH HEADQUARTERS SHARJAH
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the BEEAH Headquarters is a 9,000 m² structure in Sharjah’s Al Sajaa desert. Its dune-inspired form integrates seamlessly with the landscape, optimizing natural ventilation and daylight. The building operates at net-zero energy, powered by an on-site solar array charging Tesla battery packs. Advanced technologies, including a smart management system, adjust lighting and temperature based on occupancy and time of day while locally sourced materials and on-site water treatment further enhance its sustainability credentials.
POWERHOUSE BRATTORKAIA
POWERHOUSE BRATTORKAIA NORWAY
Designed by Snøhetta, Powerhouse Brattørkaia is the world’s northernmost energy-positive building. It generates more energy than it consumes over its lifecycle, including construction and demolition. Features include a solar panel-clad roof, seawater-based heating and cooling, and intelligent ventilation systems. The building supplies excess energy to neighboring structures and has achieved BREEAM Outstanding certification.
STOCKHOLM WOOD CITY
STOCKHOLM WOOD CITY SWEDEN
Set to be the world’s largest timber-built urban area, Stockholm Wood City is a project by Atrium Ljungberg aiming to provide 2,000 new homes by 2027. Utilizing mass timber construction, the development emphasizes sustainability, with wood’s carbon-storing capabilities reducing emissions. The project also includes community-friendly spaces, offices, and improved infrastructure, promoting sustainable urban living.
ONE ANGEL SQUARE
ONE ANGEL SQUARE UNITED KINGDOM
One Angel Square is a prominent high-rise office building located in the heart of Manchester, England. Its construction commenced in 2010, reaching completion in February 2013. This iconic structure serves as the corporate headquarters for the Co-operative Group. Soaring to a height of 72.5 meters (238 feet), it stands as the centerpiece of the impressive £800 million NOMA development within the Angel Meadows district of Manchester’s bustling city center.
The construction of this remarkable building came at a cost of at least £105 million, and in 2013, it was subsequently sold under leaseback terms for an impressive £142 million. One Angel Square boasts a distinctive architectural design that has drawn comparisons to both a sliced egg and a ship. Its creation was unveiled by the renowned architects at 3DReid in May 2009, and construction officially commenced in July 2010, initially targeting a completion date in March 2013.
A noteworthy achievement occurred in December 2012 when the development exceeded its pan-European sustainability objectives, securing a remarkable world-record BREEAM score of 95.32%. This landmark building proudly holds the status of an energy-plus structure, generating surplus energy while maintaining a zero-carbon emissions footprint. It has garnered numerous accolades, not only for its striking aesthetic but also for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental excellence.
SHANGHAI TOWER
SHANGHAI TOWER CHINA
The Shanghai Tower stands as an awe-inspiring mega tall skyscraper, soaring to a height of 632 meters across its 128 stories. This architectural marvel graces the skyline of Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, holding the prestigious title of China’s tallest building and ranking as the world’s second-tallest structure. Since 2015, it has also proudly held the distinction of being the world’s tallest and most extensive LEED Platinum certified building.
The brilliant architectural minds at Gensler, an American firm, led the design of the Shanghai Tower, under the creative guidance of Shanghainese architect Jun Xia.
This towering masterpiece boasts a unique design featuring nine cylindrical structures gracefully stacked on top of one another, culminating in an impressive 128 floors. These layers are elegantly enveloped by a dual-layer glass facade, with the inner layer providing a protective shield. Nestled between these layers are nine spacious indoor zones, thoughtfully designed to offer public spaces for visitors. Each of these nine areas showcases its own inviting atrium, adorned with lush gardens, charming cafés, exquisite restaurants, and delightful retail spaces. Furthermore, they provide an unparalleled panoramic view of the magnificent city.
Notably, both layers of the facade are transparent, and at the base of the tower, you’ll find bustling retail and event spaces. This innovative dual-glass facade is a hallmark of the tower’s design, setting it apart from conventional buildings. Unlike most structures, which rely on a single facade with highly reflective glass to combat heat absorption, the Shanghai Tower’s double-glass facade eliminates the need for any opacity. This architectural marvel can graciously accommodate up to 16,000 people daily.
SARA KULTURHUS
The Sara Kulturhus is a 20-story cultural center constructed almost entirely from locally sourced timber. Housing a theater, museum, library, and hotel, it’s poised to be one of the world’s first carbon-negative buildings. The use of timber not only stores carbon but also reduces the building’s overall carbon footprint.
BOSCO VERTICALE
Bosco Verticale, or “Vertical Forest,” comprises two residential towers adorned with over 20,000 plants. This vegetation enhances biodiversity, improves air quality, and provides natural insulation. The design contributes to a microclimate that filters fine particles, reduces noise pollution, and offers protection from solar radiation.
CUBE BERLIN
Cube Berlin is a smart office building featuring a distinctive glass facade designed for energy efficiency. Solar energy powers the building, while intelligent systems optimize energy usage based on real-time data. Its “digital brain” allows for integrated management of building systems via an app, optimizing efficiency by learning occupant habits.
KATAJANOKAN LAITURI
Katajanokan Laituri houses the headquarters of Stora Enso and the eco-friendly Solo Sokos Pier 4 Hotel. Constructed with carbon-storing timber and renewable resources, the building emphasizes local sourcing and connects guests with nature through design. The use of prefabricated wood elements reduced CO₂ emissions by 35% compared to conventional concrete construction.
ONE CENTRAL PARK
One Central Park in Sydney, Australia, was designed by Jean Nouvel, the renowned French architect, in collaboration with French botanist Patrick Blanc, who created the vertical gardens. The park features the world’s tallest vertical garden, integrating over 35,000 plants and its heliostat system reflects sunlight into the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The project was completed in 2014 and quickly became an iconic example of sustainable and innovative architecture.
Key Highlights: It won several awards, including the Best Tall Building Worldwide from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) in 2014. The vertical gardens cover over 1,120 square meters with more than 35,000 plants spanning 250 species. The heliostat system (a set of motorized mirrors) reflects natural light into the shaded areas of the building and nearby park.
