Saylee Bhogle

advisor

Illinois Institute of Technology, College of Architecture

United States of America

My architectural focus lies at the intersection of sustainability, social equity, and experiential… more

The high-rise commercial office tower presents a strong and ambitious vision for a dense urban business district such as Motijheel. The concept of the tower as a “spinal cord supporting work and life” gives the project a clear conceptual backbone and a recognizable metaphor that guides its vertical organization and identity.

The architectural expression is particularly striking. The twisting vertical form combined with the diagrid façade creates a dynamic and sculptural presence within the skyline. The building reads as a landmark object, and the structural expression becomes an integral part of its architectural identity rather than a purely technical solution.

Functionally, the project is highly comprehensive and well organized. The clear vertical zoning-from public and commercial functions at the lower levels, through extensive office floors, to recreational and observation spaces at the upper levels-demonstrates a solid understanding of high-rise programmatic stacking. The inclusion of retail, dining, leisure, and public amenities within the tower enriches its urban role and supports the idea of a mixed-use vertical ecosystem.

The proposal also shows awareness of environmental and structural performance. The hexagonal diagrid system is appropriate for resisting wind loads in a tall structure and contributes to structural efficiency while maintaining openness in floor plates. The use of photochromic glazing and double-glazed units reflects an effort to address solar gain and energy performance, which is important in dense urban contexts.

Overall, the project is visually powerful, conceptually clear, and programmatically rich. It successfully combines architectural expression with functional diversity and presents a strong identity for a contemporary high-rise building. The ambition to integrate work, leisure, and public experience within a single vertical structure is clearly articulated and well developed.

- Strengthen the relationship between the “spinal cord” concept and the actual spatial organization, ensuring the metaphor influences interior spatial experience as much as the exterior form.
- Further refine the structural logic so that the twisting form and diagrid system read as fully integrated rather than visually applied to the volume.
- Develop clearer transitions between program zones, especially between office, recreational, and observation functions, to enhance user experience in vertical movement.
- Explore how the tower engages more actively with the ground plane and surrounding urban context, reinforcing its role within the city rather than only as an isolated object.
- Expand environmental strategy beyond façade treatment by considering ventilation, shading depth, and passive performance at different tower heights.
10.05.2026