The Swirl
The goal was to design a mixed-use building combining a shopping center with a naturally lit atrium with office space on top while maintaining a singular design to the form. The swirling tube subtracted from the middle of the building creates a wide opening from one side to the other, allowing natural light to reach the central atrium in the mall and offering office spaces with expansive views. By joining the swirling tube with a tunnel running between the adjacent sides of the building into one large integrated gate, the result is a welcoming entrance that defines the design and serves its functionality.
The building envelope consists of 4 concave elevations and also a concave roof. The signature element of the design is part of its facade, the swirl. It connects 3 adjacent facades in addition to the roof. The exploded axonometric of the facade below illustrates the relationship between the different facade components.
Initial Surface
Geometry Optimization
Load Transfer Areas
Discretization
Anchoring Locations