Natural, efficient and unique: the BIQ is setting new standards as the first building in the world to have a bioreactor façade. Microalgae are cultivated in the glass elements that make up its “bio skin”. These are used to produce energy, and can also control light and provide shade. Inside, an innovative living concept is aimed at ensuring maximum design versatility for everyday life, and gives us a glimpse into urban life in the future. With its innovative living concept, futuristic exterior, and “intelligent” algae façade, the BIQ is a highlight of ”The Building Exhibition within the Building Exhibition”. read more…
The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping mall based on total area and sixth largest by gross leasable area. Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it is part of the 20-billion-dollar Burj Khalifa complex, and includes 1,200 shops. Access to the mall is provided via Doha Street, rebuilt as a double-decker road in April 2009. read more…
HSB Turning Torso is the tallest skyscraper in Sweden and the Nordic countries, situated in Malmö, located on the Swedish side of the Öresund strait. Upon completion, it was the tallest building in Scandinavia. It is presently the third tallest residential building in Europe, after the 264‑metre (866 ft) Triumph Palace in Moscow and the 212‑metre Sky Tower in Wrocław. A similar, taller skyscraper featuring a 90° twist is the Infinity Tower, currently under construction in Dubai. Prior to the construction of Turning Torso, the 86‑metre (282 ft) Kronprinsen had been the city’s tallest building. It was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and officially opened on 27 August 2005. The tower reaches a height of 190 metres (623 feet) with 54 stories. read more…
From time immemorial, Harvestehude, lying on the banks of the Alster, has been one of the most privileged residential locations to be offered by Hamburg. Venerable white Wilhelminian style and art nouveau villas in large parks and town houses resembling the London town houses, still distinguish the banks of the Alster today. As it was in this period, the Alster plays a central role as an area for rowing and sailing and numerous sports and social clubs line its banks. read more…
The Shard (also referred to as the Shard of Glass, Shard London Bridge or the London Bridge Tower) is a skyscraper in London. Standing 309.6 metres (1,016 ft) high, it was topped out on 30 March 2012 and opened on 5 July 2012. The Shard is the tallest completed building in Europe, and is also the tallest free-standing structure in London, after the 330-metre (1,083 ft) concrete tower at the Emley Moor transmitting station. read more…
The European Central Bank Headquarters is a building complex under construction in the Ostend district of Frankfurt am Main. It includes the existing Großmarkthalle, a new 185/165-metre-twin-skyscraper and a new low-rise building to connect the two. Located east of the city centre it will house the new headquarters for the European Central Bank (ECB). It is expected to be completed in 2014. read more…
You can’t very well take over the world from your parent’s basement, now can you? No, a proper arch-nemesis needs a sufficiently intimidating hidden base. Luckily, Norway is selling off its defunct Olavsvern Naval Submarine Base for a $17.5 million pittance. read more…
