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November 2006, Issue 01
Design at the highest level Singled out for special awards The Turning Torso, Europe’s tallest apartment building, is a real highlight in design from the outside and inside. The fittings are from the Axor Starck collection by Hansgrohe
IF you cross the Øresund between Denmark and Sweden from west to east, it is impossible to miss it in the flat coastal landscape of Schonen: standing almost 200 metres tall, it winds itself up into the southern Swedish sky – the “Turning Torso” on the outskirts of Malmø is currently Europe’s tallest apartment building. The highly visible skyscraper, which was completed in 2005, is a local landmark. This is not only down to its dizzying height, but above all because of its extraordinary and spectacular architecture which bears the signature of Santiago Calatrava, the world-famous Spanish architect. In this building in the West Harbour district of Malmø, the typically round or angular forms of high-rise buildings of this size are absent. Instead, the 54 storeys of the building wind themselves up around its own axis. The structure consists of nine slender cubes of five storeys each, stacked one above the other, with an external steel structure or “spine” weighing 820 tons supporting the building. Calatrava twists his tower from the reception hall up to the conference centre at the top by 90 degrees. The gyrating structure is reminiscent of an athlete’s body twisting upwards during a jump. The tower is captivating with its amazing sense of lightness and graceful elegance. It is therefore no surprise that the Museum of Modern Art in New York featured the residential structure among the 25 most exciting high-rises in the world. Architectural solitaire in the The interior of the structure south of Sweden, the ‘Turn- is no less impressive. Above ing Torso’ all, the exterior walls of the in-
The Turning Torso, Europe’s tallest apartment building, is a real highlight in design from the outside and inside. The fittings are from the Axor Starck collection by Hansgrohe
A real design classic in the bathroom: fittings from the Axor Starck collection clined façade, tilted up to 7 degrees, and the curved walls at the central axis impart a special character to the interior architecture, which is far removed from the traditional cubic space. The exclusive interiors designed by Samark Architecture and Design AB ensure that living is special in the 147 apartments, which range in size from 45 to 190 square meters. In the bathroom and kitchen the fittings from the Axor Starck collection, designed by the French star designer Philippe Starck, immediately catch the eye. Their minimalist design not only fits perfectly with the overall design philosophy of the building, but also complements the simple and distinct forms of the furniture which is of predominantly Scandinavian design. The basin mixer, with which Axor and Starck made bathroom history in 1994, is still captivating with its slender and minimalist design. No embellishments interfere with its appearance, and thus the design message bears a sensual-cultural content which fully reflects the designer’s intention. In this way, water becomes precious again, given to us as the origin of mankind and a pre-requisite of our existence, and puts us in touch with it anew. At the same time, the design principle represents quality of life and living. Both are basic elements of the “Turning Torso” which is also why it was crowned best residential building in Europe during the MIPIM property fair in Cannes.
Singled out for special awards The Turning Torso, Europe’s tallest apartment building, is a real highlight in design from the outside and inside. The fittings are from the Axor Starck collection by Hansgrohe
A gentle drizzle that envelops the body, an invigorating tingle, or a relaxing massage. It’s been quite some time since quick bodily cleansing along with minimal usage of water took center stage with showering. Showering is an intense water experience that is both fun and good for us. But in order to be able to really enjoy the great variety of flowing, caressing, pattering water, the conditions have to be just right. Hansgrohe has pulled it off: innovations from the worldwide technology leader have made new dimensions in showering enjoyment possible. The foundation for these is provided by the developments coming out of the Hansgrohe “spray laboratory”, which gets the credit for the enormous range of different types of showers, from the mono-spray for targeted hydrotherapy to the revolutionary Raindance Air, which offers previously unknown showering pleasure that comes close to being outside in nature itself. Pharo, Europe’s number one for wellness bathroom fixtures and accessories has integrated the showers into complete systems, putting enjoyable showering into a whole new
corporate news
IF you cross the Øresund between Denmark and Sweden from west to east, it is impossible to miss it in the flat coastal landscape of Schonen: standing almost 200 metres tall, it winds itself up into the southern Swedish sky – the “Turning Torso” on the outskirts of Malmø is currently Europe’s tallest apartment building. The highly visible skyscraper, which was completed in 2005, is a local landmark. This is not only down to its dizzying height, but above all because of its extraordinary and spectacular architecture which bears the signature of Santiago Calatrava, the world-famous Spanish architect. In this building in the West Harbour district of Malmø, the typically round or angular forms of high-rise buildings of this size are absent. Instead, the 54 storeys of the building wind themselves up around its own axis. The structure consists of nine slender cubes of five storeys each, stacked one above the other, with an external steel structure or “spine” weighing 820 tons supporting the building. Calatrava twists his tower from the reception hall up to the conference centre at the
top by 90 degrees. The gyrating structure is reminiscent of an athlete’s body twisting upwards during a jump. The tower is captivating with its amazing sense of lightness and graceful elegance. It is therefore no surprise that the Museum of Modern Art in New York featured the residential structure among the 25 most exciting high-rises in the world. The interior of the structure is no less impressive. Above all, the exterior walls of the inclined façade, tilted up to 7 degrees, and the curved walls at the central axis impart a special character to the interior architecture, which is far removed from the traditional cubic space. The exclusive interiors designed by Samark Architecture and Design AB ensure that living is special in the 147 apartments, which range in size from 45 to 190 square meters. In the bathroom and kitchen the fittings from the Axor Starck collection, designed by the French star designer Philippe Starck, immediately catch the eye. Their minimalist design not only fits perfectly with the overall design philosophy of the building, but also complements the simple and distinct forms of the furniture.