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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Government approach could undermine delivery and regeneration.
World's first mass timber data centre.
The overlooked environmental aspect of data centre development.
Introduction to radon awareness
New technical information sheet published by CIOB.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.
CIAT confirm the winners of the 2026 architectural technology awards.
Government launches a one stop shop for flood preparedness.
Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect? Book review.
CIOB publishes free template to help assess and manage risks.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.
Building safety levy for England
CIAT publish estimator tool for members.
Water sector faces a growing crisis that could slow the delivery of vital infrastructure.