Vertical City Work in Progress

A megastructure with a socio economic imperative , a peoples tower
The social imperative, - without ownership the disenfranchised poor cannot
hope to bequeath a viable inherited financial future to the next generation, their
children. In order that they are able to have a capital stake in the exiting societal
construct they must have ownership of the land on which they live , to this end
the tower acts as a catalyst for the creation of ownership. As the land on which
the tower is constructed, is that of the favela , this gives value to previously
worthless land. The stakeholders now have options either to move out of the
favela and reside in a new unit within the tower in its emerging micro economic
community whilst deriving an income from their share in the land development
or to relocate altogether , somewhere new. Although this would have the effect
of breaking up the established community , it could open up new social and
economic connections.

The reclaimed land and would now become available for commercial /intensive
agricultural development and would a new enhanced economic value, thus
providing a legacy for the re located former inhabitants.
The tower releases land , provides work and acts as a negotiator for an
engagement with capital. The city gains a new quarter providing fresh produce
and enhanced transport links and facilities, to a new economic zone.

The social identity
The three cups, define distinct user groups and activities, which are nonetheless
related , typically they could contain college level activity, university and
research/knowledge economy business; or retail ,hotel, apartments; or social
housing, ,local administration and offices .In whichever configuration, the tower is
a metaphor for true urban living ,having all the elements of work, leisure , home
and a sense of place in one entity, Access to and from the tower takes many
forms , cable car , helicopter, water taxi car or metro.

Bars, café’s and restaurants should flourish in such a climate, taking as their
cue many roof/ mountain top venues. The tower , it is hoped , will become a
destination in its own right with 24 hr zones of activity; and as such develop a
more open culture , and therefore , always be in flux , perhaps even a transient
culture , a place to experience.

Structure
The 180 storey tower’s structure bears a strong relationship to the folded spoon
analogy , with the bowl being the elliptical lagoon, and the shaft and vertical
legs supporting the cups .The tower appears to be a twisting cantilever , but is
in fact a simple structure , with only the top cup having a cantilevered element.
The main support are the vertical and diagonal structural frame containing
circulation and services this runs through all the cups . and in the first forty
five storey’s supports the palette shaped overlapping gardens and city farms.
Beneath the tower are four levels of vehicular access and parking covering an
expansive area , which incorporates the piled structural legs and the diagonal
main composite core ,and grows into the structure of the lagoon , acting as
a stabilizing counterweight to the tower .The inner structure of the cups is a
diagonal structural grid into which the wheatsheaf pattern of woven individual
units is embedded.

The Form
The form of the tower is derived from an inverse of the tower of babel prototype,
which is typified by a dense pyramidal structure , instead we have utilized notions
of light , air , openness and freedom as the source for a series of aerial streets
and courtyards, allowing for the development of distinct lifestyle patterns and
communities.

The ellipse favours this approach, the shape allows for four distinct experiential
zones , which can be broken down to a local level of organization and
inhabitation. The form also minimizes the side effects of wind turbulence often associated with
tall buildings.

Construction
The legs /vertical support structure contain elevators and staircases and are
linked by structured palette shaped platforms which provide aerial gardens and
parks . these parks are also farming units providing an ally ear round source of
food and leisure . each cup has its own external facing park, and internal bridges
allow easy access across the inner aerial spaces .large openings allow additional
light into these inner spaces , whilst their hollow nature provides a naturally
ventilated core.

Micro climate
The internal elliptical areas provide , distinct micro climates , within each cup,
they will each acquire their own character in terms of vegetation and aerial
wildlife, supported by balcony gardens and green loading elements which will
accrue over time.

Renewable energy sources

Skin
The external elements are of a lightweight composite , precast units contain a
hollow structure based on coral which has embedded micro turbines , these
make the skin into a wind energy generating surface providing power to augment
photovoltaic panel solar collection. Within the inner skin the effect is enhanced as
natural convection assists the production of energy.

Night
The building will appear to hover above the landscape creating a breathtaking
spectacle in the night sky, it offset elements seeming to be in motion, and
offering its users unparalleled views, and a chance to dream.

Layton Reid



Vertical City Cararcas