Tech

This beautiful twisting skyscraper looks like it could fall over at any moment

Leanna Garfield

2015-11-12T15:50:00Z

Living near a highway is the worst — except for the people lucky enough to live in this skyscraper.

The top-heavy Vancouver House will expand out from its tiny base and tower over the neighboring bridge. Once a deserted zone, the skyscraper will transform the space next to a dingy highway into a vibrant part of the city.

Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, the futuristic design won Project of the Year at the World Architecture Festival last week. A Canadian developer, Westbank, will complete construction in 2019. Despite its top-heavy appearance, the skyscraper is safe and structurally sound.

The Vancouver House is part of a wider urban design movement, called Vancouverism. Characterized by strategically-placed towers, patches of green space, efficient public transit, and breathtaking views, Vancouverism encourages democratic, walkable cities.

Westbank will build the steel high-rise just 100 feet away from the bustling Granville Bridge in downtown Vancouver.

entry — The Vancouver House is the skyscraper on the right. BIG

When future residents look out from their balconies, they will see Vancouver's skyline, harbor, and mountains, rather than the cars below. BIG designed the skyscraper to hide most of the highway from view.

Inspired by New York City's Flatiron Building, the Vancouver House's triangular base will only take up 6,000 square feet.

As the Vancouver House rises, it will gradually curve toward the highway. Unlike most skyscrapers that rise perpendicular to the ground, the Vancouver House makes use of aerial space.

The 59-story skyscraper will dedicate the first nine floors to offices, shops, and restaurants. Above that, it will include 375 condos, ranging in size from studios to three bedrooms.

Screen Shot 2015 11 10 at 3.53.28 PM — Interior of the Vancouver House. BIG

At the base of the skyscraper, Westbank will also build three-story triangular buildings with public shops and green plazas.

patio — The Vancouver House's public plaza. BIG