German based GraftLab designed three towers in the heart of newly prestigious Chinese city of Dalian. The development will rise in the center of business district and it comprises of two residential towers, a high-rise for Dalian Daily Newspaper’s headquarters and commercial facilities housed in lower, three-story volume which provides base for the towers.

The focus of the design on the extreme verticality of the proposed volumes and each volume is composed of multiple vertical planes, breaking off at the top of the structure resembling shards of glass. The peaks of sharp-edged tower act as a display of ever-changing light situations due to sun movements across the sky, resembling the shiny peaks in a mountain range. Due to angled roofs, the interior spaces are highly dramatic with an abundance of daylight for luxurious penthouse units and conference rooms.

The random pattern of the curtain wall is created by metal panels, whose density is much greater at street level, in order to provide privacy and allow more exposure to light and view in the upper stories.  A similar system articulates the forms at the pedestrian level, in the horizontal direction – masses seem to bend and shear almost like geological plates, further creating indentations and overhangs that guide visitors through the space, articulating entrances and events. The geometry of the tower dictates the lines in the pavement which warp, twist and bend to create benches and street-scapes.