Geography of the tallest biophilic designed skyscrapers -UPDATED

Posted on July 30, 2023 by problogic
One and Two Central Park in Sydney – Source: sydneypoint.com.au

The list at the conclusion of this post identifies the tallest biophilic skyscrapers in the world to d. A definition of this building design type is provided below, along with a graphic identifying the six principles inherent in biophilic design.

“Biophilic design is the practice of reconnecting people and nature within the built environment. Biophilic design involves translating elements derived from nature, into design outcomes that ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of occupants and foster a connection with nature.” 

Source: https://www.wiley.com/en-au/Biophilic+Design%3A+The+Theory%2C+Science+and+Practice+of+Bringing+Buildings+to+Life-p-9780470163344
Source: thermoryusa.com

According to chat.openai.com, the benefits of biophilic building design include the following:

  • “Improved well-being: Biophilic design creates a stronger connection between people and nature, leading to reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being.
  • Increased productivity and creativity: Studies have shown that incorporating natural elements in the workplace can boost productivity and creativity, leading to better job satisfaction and performance.
  • Stress reduction: Exposure to natural elements like plants, water features, and natural light can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
  • Enhanced air quality: Biophilic designs often include indoor plants, which can improve indoor air quality by filtering pollutants and increasing oxygen levels.
  • Better cognitive function: Access to nature or nature-inspired elements in built environments has been linked to improved cognitive function and better attention spans.
  • Energy efficiency: Biophilic design can optimize natural light and ventilation, reducing the need for artificial lighting and HVAC systems, thus improving energy efficiency.
  • Climate resilience: Green roofs and living walls used in biophilic design can help mitigate the urban heat island effect and enhance a building’s ability to withstand extreme weather events.
  • Biodiversity support: Creating habitats for plants and animals within urban settings can contribute to the preservation of local biodiversity.
  • Reduced urban runoff: Biophilic design can aid in managing stormwater runoff, reducing the strain on urban drainage systems and minimizing water pollution.
  • Attraction and retention of occupants: Biophilic elements in buildings can make them more appealing to potential occupants and help retain existing ones.
  • Sustainable development: By prioritizing natural elements and sustainability in design, biophilic buildings contribute to the promotion of environmentally friendly practices in construction and architecture.
  • Community connection: Biophilic designs can foster a sense of community and connection to the surrounding environment, encouraging social interaction and a sense of place.”

There are also some potential challenges to consider, as well. Per chat.openai.com, these could include:

  • “Cost: Incorporating biophilic elements in building design can be more expensive than conventional approaches, especially if extensive natural features, such as green walls or living roofs, are involved.
  • Maintenance: Biophilic elements, such as indoor plants or water features, require regular care and maintenance to remain healthy and effective. This ongoing upkeep can be time-consuming and costly.
  • Limited applicability: Biophilic design may not be suitable for all types of buildings or locations. In some cases, constraints like space, climate, or building regulations may hinder the full realization of biophilic features.
  • Seasonal variations: Some biophilic elements, like outdoor greenery, may be subject to seasonal changes, which can impact their effectiveness and aesthetic appeal during certain times of the year.
  • Pest and disease issues: Indoor plants and other biophilic elements can attract pests or be susceptible to diseases, requiring additional attention for pest control and preventive measures.
  • Expertise and knowledge requirements: Properly integrating biophilic design elements demands specialized knowledge and expertise, which may not always be readily available to all architects or builders.
  • Aesthetic preferences: Biophilic design might not align with everyone’s aesthetic preferences. Some individuals may not appreciate the inclusion of certain natural elements in built environments.
  • Space constraints: In densely populated urban areas or areas with limited space, it might be challenging to incorporate extensive biophilic features effectively.
  • Structural implications: Adding green roofs, vertical gardens, or other nature-inspired elements may impose additional structural loads, necessitating careful consideration during the building’s design and construction phases.
  • Water usage: Some biophilic elements, such as water features or extensive plantings, can increase water consumption, which may not be sustainable in regions facing water scarcity.
  • Design conflicts: Biophilic elements can clash with other design considerations, such as acoustics, lighting requirements, or functional layouts.”

Several of the challenges listed above (maintenance, applicability, seasonal variations, aesthetic preferences, and water usage) can be addressed for building exteriors through xeriscaping, utilizing native plants, or both. Furthermore, maintenance, aesthetic preferences, pest and disease issues, space constraints, and water usage should always be considered regardless of the landscape design. That leaves cost, expertise/knowledge, structural implications, and design conflicts as unique challenges facing the development of a biophilic skyscraper. As a result, it would be critically important to hire those firms with successful expertise and experience in biophilic design and maintenance directly associated with tall buildings.

Oasia Hotel in Singapore – Source: designboom.com

The map provided below clearly shows how much the Western Hemisphere is lagging behind the Eastern Hemisphere in incorporating biophilic design elements as part of high-rise building exteriors. Only two of the 35 structures identified (some cities have multiple towers) in this post are situated in the Western Hemisphere.

Geographic Distribution of Biophilic Skyscrapers – Map created using mymaps.google.com – updated 9/5/23

Meanwhile, biophilic design concepts and principles are being increasingly applied in the construction of new towers across other regions around the world. In light of the escalating climate crisis caused by global warming, places that neglect to incorporate these concepts might lag in their efforts to mitigate rising temperatures, conserve water, and house climate migrants from both international and domestic regions.

Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) Towers in Milan, Italy – Source: flickr.com

A groundbreaking global leader in biophilic skyscraper design is renown architect Stefano Boeri of Milan, Italy. His visionary “vertical forest” towers have been constructed in multiple cities across Europe and Asia, with others under development in cities such as Lausanne, Dubai, Liuzhou, and Egypt’s new capitol city. Eight of the towers on the list were designed by his firm. Images both above and below depict four of his firm’s buildings.

Architect Stefano Boeri – Source: forbes.it
Huanggang Vertical Forest, China – Source: dezeen.com
Tirana Vertical Forest – Source: stefanoboeriarchitetti.net

For purposes of this blogpost, skyscrapers were included on the list only if a significant proportion of the structure’s exterior was designed using biophilic concepts making them clearly stand out from traditional tall buildings. Furthermore, to avoid including projects that have been proposed, but never broke ground, the list/map only includes those skyscrapers known to have been completed or are substantially complete.

One River North in Denver, CO – Source: dezeen.com

As always, any additions, corrections, or suggestions for his post are most welcome. A minimum height of 150 feet and 15 floors was required for inclusion on the list provided and it will be updated as needed. Peace!

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  1. The Spiral NYC (2022) – New York City, New York = 1,031 feet/306 m with 66 floors – added 9/5/23

2. CapitaSpring (2022) – Singapore, Singapore = 919 feet/280 m with 51 floors

3. CapitaGreen (2014) – Singapore, Singapore = 804 feet/245 m with 40 floors

4. Oasia Hotel (2018) – Singapore, Singapore = 634 feet/193 m with 27 floors

5. Le Nouvel 1 (2016) – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia = 659 feet/201 m with 49 floors

6. Nanjing Vertical Forest Tower 1 (202?) – Nanjing, China = 656 feet/200 m with 35 floors

7-8. One Pearl Bank Towers 1 & 2 (2024) – Singapore, Singapore = 584 feet/178 m with 39 floors

9. Le Nouvel 2 (2016) – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia = 528 feet/161 m with 43 floors

10. One Central Park (2014) – Sydney, Australia = 383 feet/117 m with 34 floors

11. Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) Tower E (2014) – Milan, Italy = 381 feet/116 m with 26 floors

12. Nanjing Vertical Forest Tower 2 (202?) – Nanjing, China = 354 feet/ 108 m

13. Eden Tower (2020) – Singapore, Singapore = 342 feet/105 m with 22 floors

14-20. Qiyi City Forest Garden 2-8 (2019) – Chengdu, China 335 feet/102 m with 30 floors

21. Biophillic Workspace (2023) – Mumbai, India = 331 feet/101 with 29 floors

22. Qiyi City Forest Garden 1 (2019) – Chengdu, China = 325 feet/99 m with 29 floors

23. Agora Tower (2018) – Taipei, Taiwan = 306 feet/93 m with 20 floors

24. Torre Rosewood (2022) – Sao Paulo, Brazil = 295 feet/90 m with 22 floors

25. Parkroyal Pickering Hotel– Singapore, Singapore = 292 feet/89 m with 16 floors

26-27. Huanggang Vertical Forest Towers (2022) – Huanggang, China = 295 feet/80 m

28. Biowonder (2020) – Kolkata, India = 285 feet/87 m with 20 floors

29. Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) (2014) – Milan, Italy = 260 feet/79 m with 18 floors

30. Trudo Vertical Forest (2021) – Eindhoven, Netherlands = 251 feet/77 m with 19 floors

31. Tirana Vertical Forest (2024) – Tirana, Albania = 246 feet/75 m with 21 floors

32. Chicland Hotel (2019) – Da Nang, Vietnam = 236 feet/72 m with 21 floors

33-34. ACROS International Hall (1995) Fukuoka, Japan and Two Central Park (2013) – Sydney, Australia = 197 feet/60 m with 15 and 16 floors respectively

35. M6B2 Tower of Diversity (2016) – Paris, France = 164 feet/50 m with 16 floors

36. One River North (2023) – Denver Colorado and Biowonder Hotel (202?) ~ 160 feet/49 m with 16 floors

  • Note: Floors listed are those that are above grade.
Agora Tower – Taipei, Taiwan – Source: facinatewithzea.com

If this topic interests you, here are two books on biophilic design that are available on Amazon.*

Link – Biophilic Planning
Link – Biophilic Urbanism

*A small commission is earned from purchases that are made using the above links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

SOURCES:

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