While most of us might get the heebie-jeebies merely at the sight of a snake, let alone a giant cobra in the middle of a city skyline, it is a symbol of wisdom and strength in many Asian countries. Serpents are an integral part of customs and traditions especially in the Middle East and Far East Asian countries like China, Japan, etc. And Russian architect Vasily Klyukin looks to cash in as he has designed a massive life like a snake-shaped tower that is ironically both menacing yet enticing.
The structure beings with a round base of the tower rising from a serpent’s body that ends with an open-mouthed head that can host a terraced restaurant or nightclub. The entire body will entail house offices or apartments while the unique diamond-shaped pattern on the back facade of the cobra building symbolizes conciliation of opposites, Yang and Yin, duality and reunification of the Sun and the Moon, androgyny and male and female principles.
Another astonishing feature includes the likeness of the beguiling skin changing routine of the snake incorporated in the building which is done by changing its color at night.
The architect is a businessman and former banker who claims that his work is ‘predicting the future,’ with his past creations including yachts with detachable jets.
‘In Japan telling someone that he is a snake means a compliment. In China snakes and dragons often mean the same,’ Mr Klyukin explains.
Klyukin thinks that such culturally astute skyscrapers are a symbol of progress around the world.
Mr. Klyukin said:
‘These buildings rise up proudly in columns looking over cities or stand alone in the landscape. Either way, skyscrapers grab our attention and awaken our consciousness, inspiring some and irritating others.”
“These rising towers have changed cityscapes around the world and have become the clearest reflection of cultural and economic progress in the twentieth century. At times, it is skyscrapers that dictate the style of business regions and even whole cities. Tourists, fascinated, would look at this immense cobra, its jaws serving a terrace would be a restaurant or a night club and its body could contain offices or apartments.’
I wouldn’t be too excited about having dinner in the building, but maybe I’ll reconsider once a cute building of a giant panda or koala bear pops up somewhere!
