Ever since Stefano Boeri Architetti's Bosco Verticale (Milan) was completed in 2014, applying greenery to skyscrapers has been in vogue. And frankly, this is one of the better trends in architecture. MVRDV's latest project echoes this idea with a lush, plant-filled residential tower for your daily dose of nature.
The project - The Island - will be located in Taichung, Taiwan, and its form is inspired by the work of legendary Spanish architect and designer Antoni Gaudí. Who became best known for his near-completed masterpiece Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Although the building is not as special as some of MVRDV's other projects, its curved, plant-filled form will certainly be a welcome change from the city's typical grey, angular high-rises.
Nature in the city
To emphasise the project's focus on bringing nature back into the city, the greenery is complemented by organic curves in the design. These shapes are made possible by the ceramic façade. By using a mosaic of small irregular shapes, the tiles can be adapted to each curve. This technique was also used by Antoni Gaudí. Different shades of white are used, with larger pieces being used on the flat areas. A smaller, grittier pattern provides a smooth finish to the tighter curves. This technique not only ensures a high-quality finish, but also one that is easy to maintain.
The Island will have 21 floors and 76 flats, plus two floors of commercial spaces. There will also be shared facilities such as a communal dining room, lounge and karaoke room. There will be a garden terrace on the roof and five shared balconies spread across the tower. There will also be plantings at street level, 104 private balconies with plants and 38 free-standing facade planters filled with local species.
At the time of writing, there is a 13-storey commercial and office building on the site that will be demolished. Interestingly, instead of taking everything to a landfill, The Island will reuse materials wherever possible, including reusing bricks from the existing walls and floors.
