The making of a New York icon In 1971, the Solow Development Corporation tasked SOM with designing an office tower that defied all conventions of a skyscraper. The building had to maximize interior capacity, attract pedestrian attention, and satisfy New York City zoning rules, which mandated that sufficient space remain between buildings to allow sunlight … Continued
Located at the intersection of Guiyang’s cultural and commercial axis, and aligned with the civic area of Zhucheng Square, the Guiyang Cultural Plaza (GCP) Tower is strategically positioned to anchor and catalyze future development. At 521 meters tall, it will be the tallest tower in Guiyang, accommodating office and hotel use, and providing a dramatic … Continued
SOM has created a bold new vision for Treasure Island, a 393-acre manmade island in the heart of the San Francisco Bay. Upon completion, the area will boast a diverse community with access to unprecedented open space, resource-conserving technologies, and a robust network of transportation options. SOM’s vision drew fundamentally from sustainable principles and the … Continued
The Beinecke Library contains Yale University’s principal rare books and literary manuscripts and serves as a research center for students, faculty, and other scholars. One of the largest buildings in the world devoted entirely to rare books and manuscripts, the library can accommodate 180,000 volumes in the central tower and more than 600,000 volumes in … Continued
The five-story Weyerhaeuser Corporate Headquarters building — often called a “skyscraper on its side” — is composed of gently sloping landscaped terraces that step upward. At each level, deeply recessed windows run continuously along each side of the building, uninterrupted by wall surfaces or metal dividers. With lush vegetation spilling over the terrace walls, the … Continued
Located in the new Lusail Marina development north of Doha, this 25-story tower sits adjacent to the Arabian Gulf and includes both hotel and office components. The tower’s striking form was largely driven by sustainability concerns. By eroding the building mass, SOM created deeply shaded areas and terraces that offer sweeping views of the Gulf. … Continued
Embodying a commitment to sustainable placemaking, the India Basin project proposes the transformation of acres of overgrown former industrial lands on San Francisco’s bay into an active waterfront destination and a vibrant, diverse village. Developed in collaboration with city government agencies and residents of the area, SOM’s comprehensive design reconnects surrounding communities with the shoreline, … Continued
For 25 years, SOM has collaborated with multiple designers and client groups in the planning and building of Canary Wharf. Designed to accommodate a flourishing financial sector and breathe new life into London’s former Docklands, SOM’s master plan established a roadmap for one of the largest urban revitalization projects in the modern era. The plan … Continued
SOM and Copenhagen architects Entasis were awarded the Karlatornet project (formerly Polestar Tower) in Gothenburg, Sweden, following an international competition. At 245 meters, this inspirational new tower is Sweden’s tallest building and marks a shift from traditional development patterns in the country. The design is highly efficient, both in terms of floor space and energy … Continued
More than a headquarters With its distinctive design, retail and social amenities, transit connections, and Class A office spaces, Poly Corporation Headquarters is designed as exceptional place to work. The wide spans optimize office layouts, while maintaining access to natural light. With its strong architectural presence, efficiency, and flexibility, the building set the tone for … Continued