MahaNakhon, Bangkok
See the rest of the Unusual building of the week series here.
On 29 August 2016, MahaNakhon officially opened with a spectacular lightshow in Bangkok, Thailand. With 77 storeys reaching a height of 314.2 m (1,031 ft), the luxury mixed-use skyscraper is the tallest building in Thailand.
MahaNakhon houses multiple levels of restaurants, cafes and retail space, as well as a luxury hotel, 200 condominium units, a multi-level roof-top Terrace Bar and an observation deck.
The tower had to adhere to a setback line that angles inward as the elevation increases. This meant that the top of the tower had to be cut away on the east side. This planning requirement inspired the architect Buro Ole Scheeren to design the ‘pixelated’ façade, with 30% of the tower’s floor plates in cantilever.
The building has the appearance of a rough spiral with cuboidal surfaces cut into the side in a ‘ribbon’ that wraps around the exterior. Adding to the ‘pixelated’ aesthetic, the glazing is divided horizontally and vertically.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The impact of COVID-19 on global HVAC&R markets
Reviewing trends and projections.
Legislation will establish initiatives to move towards net zero.
Status determination statement
How to document contractor employment status.
Social distancing goes high tech
Tech tools to help manage people and space post-pandemic.
Eclectic Edwardian architecture
A style that ranges from mock Tudor to arts and crafts to the 'Wrenaissance'.
Free guide from Secured by Design.
Building Back Better: Circularity
BREEAM strategy for sustainability and the circular economy.
Free tool to improve the construction programming process.
Building services verification
Are buildings doing what they're supposed to be doing?
Cities with quick access to everything by foot or bike.
The pressures and pinch points of global destinations.
The green economic recovery beyond COVID-19
Making the case for a sustainable future.
Building Conservation Certification Scheme expands eligibility
Retrofit professionals now entitled to enter CIOB programme.
Unlimited Potential report looks at gender and racial bias
How, where, when and why stereotypes happen.