Architecture studio Aedas has unveiled its Dance of Light Tower in Chongqing, China, with a twisted facade informed by the shape of the northern lights. Located on Xingfu Plaza in the Jiangbei District of Chongqing, the 180-meter-tall tower has two double-curved facades that create the impression that the building is being twisted.
Dance of Light Tower has 39 floors and is in the same business district as other buildings inspired by stars. Out of the 39 floors, 34 are dedicated to office space while others are for other facilities
The twisted shape of the tower is formed through the double-curved surfaces on its facades, where bold vertical lines highlight the warped yet minimalist structure. Light plays a pivotal role in accentuating the twisted shape of the structure, as it reflects and bends over the glass facades, creating a stunning impression from different angles as the day progresses and the light changes colors.
With a twisting angle of 8.8 degrees per floor, it is one of the most twisted buildings in the world
“As an open public space, the tower has all the credits to be a city icon, especially the significant twisting of the façade is remarkable.” Inspired by the dancing aurora, Aedas Global Design Principal Ken Wai and his team have introduced an impressive façade design through bottom-to-top connections between the northern and eastern sides. The ‘dance of light’ is characterized by the juxtaposition of rectilinear forms and tower façades with double curves. Such curvaceous façade expression offers ever-changing perspectives around the development. When the sun rises, the curved façade shines, and the tower becomes the building of light. When night falls, the curved façade showcases reflections that allude to the dancing figure of a ballerina. The podium roof extends a coherent statement of sliding twist from top to bottom, echoing the geometry of the tower and maintaining a consistent architectural style.
Images by Aedas/ Arch-Exist Photography
