Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto has announced plans to design a striking tower in France shaped like a pine cone, with balconies sprouting outwards in all directions.
A collaboration with French studios Manal Rachdi OXO and Nicholas Laisne Architects, it is the second of 12 modern buildings being constructed in the Port Marianne district of Montpellier in southern France.
The 17-storey building is named Arbre Blanc, which means ‘White Tree’, and is based on Fujimoto’s theory of nature-inspired architecture. The tower will have a curved body resembling a tree trunk and feature numerous balconies that fan out dramatically like leaves.
Each of the 120 apartments will face different directions, allowing residents to choose the orientation that fits them best. The balconies are half the size of the apartments, in keeping with the tradition of outdoor living in Montpellier.
The building will also house an art gallery, restaurant, panoramic bar and offices, and will be located at the junction of several busy intersections that include the Lez river and motorway.
Construction is slated to begin in July 2015 and is expected to be completed in December 2017.
What do you think of the design of Arte Blanc? Would you like to live in such an eye-catching building?
[via Dezeen, images via Manal Rachdi OXO]