OODA designs kinked Tirana skyscrapers to evoke "the grace of ballet"

Architecture studio OODA has unveiled its design for two connected skyscrapers, named Bond Tower, that bend away and towards each other in Tirana, Albania. The towers will contain residential, commercial, office and hotel space and its kinked shape was informed by the silhouette of a ballet dancer's bent knees when performing the plié position. "Characterised

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Architecture studio OODA has unveiled its design for two connected skyscrapers, named Bond Tower, that bend away and towards each other in Tirana, Albania.

The towers will contain residential, commercial, office and hotel space and its kinked shape was informed by the silhouette of a ballet dancer's bent knees when performing the plié position.

"Characterised by two interconnected volumes of different heights that meet in a plié in the urban landscape, creating a silhouette reminiscent of the grace of ballet, the interplay of these forms avoids the creation of a massive urban volume, giving the building an elegant and iconic presence," said OODA.

The tallest of the connected towers will rise to 50 storeys and have a subtle kink in the lower portion of its cuboid shape.

The shorter tower will lean away from its counterpart at a more dramatic angle before bending back towards it and joining to rise vertically.

Designed to recall traditional Albanian carpets, the facades will have zigzagging balconies and handrails that weave between vertical elements.

"The parametric structure of the building reflects the traditional patterns of Albanian carpets, creating a unique texture on the facade," said OODA.

"Just as a dancer weaves precision into every movement, this building weaves history and culture into a tapestry that reflects the city's evolving identity," the studio continued.

"Our approach provides a physical representation of Tirana's evolving identity, bringing the influences of historical heritage into a dance with contemporary architectural practices."

Trees and planting will top Bond Tower, and a pool will be placed on the roof of the shorter high-rise.

Public green space will surround the base, with planting designed to reflect the varied landscape of the Albanian mountains.

"The vegetation strategy mimics the natural gradation found in these mountains, with resilient plants on the higher levels reflecting the high-altitude flora and varied plantings on the lower levels echoing the mountain valleys, providing a diverse and enriching experience with an interesting variety of textures and scents," said OODA.

Elsewhere in Tirana, OODA revealed its design for a residential skyscraper made up of 13 staggered cube forms and Czech studio Chybik + Kristof unveiled a red concrete tower with cascading floors.

The images are by Plomp.

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