Chlorophyll Tower by IAMZ Design Studio is re-investigation on future of housing in near future. The concept may seem apocalyptic and dark, but the way units are connected is much rooted in the field bio-mimicry – they take the form of leaves, stemming mainly from the columns. The tower is therefore directly mimicking nature. The same way the leaves absorb water, CO2 and light in order to make energy; this residential building absorbs New York City’s emissions of harmful gasses, also producing energy from it, in order to remain self-sufficient.

The design is flexible – the units are easily stacked one on top of another, along a series of stabilizing columns, forming a grid. That way, the design can change over time, as the needs of the customers change and grow. Mimicking the photosynthetic process of plants, the tower conforms to nature. Not only that the pods are acting like the leaves, but the columns mimic plant stems, while the outer pods slide along them.

The building is naturally ventilated while the daylight indirectly pours through the pods oriented strategically, in a way that they avoid too much solar gain during the summer. The building was primarily designed as a residential complex for a 10,000 square foot site, but actually it also incorporated mixed-use development with an administrative, entertainment and retail facilities. As much as the concept is unique and amusing, it cannot be easily implemented into Manhattan skyline. However, its grey and serious presence is a good base for further investigation on the matter.