NYC Now Hosts The World’s Best Skyscraper In The Shape Of A Pyramid

During the Annual Skyscraper Award by information specialist Emporis, The Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) designed Via 57 West was declared the world’s best skyscraper. The building takes almost an entire block in Manhattan, NYC and looks like a strange futuristic pyramid. The Emporis Skyscraper Awards have been running for almost 17 years now,  and considers buildings that are over 100m (328 ft) tall. This is a 32 story residential building and doesn’t look like an ordinary skyscraper but its unique design was the reason that it was declared the best skyscraper in the world.

Architect Bjarke Ingels says that the tetrahedral design of the building is a mix of a skyscraper and European housing block with a central courtyard. He dubs the central courtyard as “court-scraper.” The courtyard itself features the same proportions as Central Park but at 13000th the size of it. The shape of courtyard ensures that there will be plenty of sunlight inside, and as a bonus, great views too.

An unnamed Emporis jury member commented on the building saying, “It’s impressive how the architect rethinks the whole idea of a skyscraper. The building is a fantastic addition to the New York skyline.”

Second place was awarded to Torre Reforma, Mexico City’s tallest skyscraper. It has a height of 804 ft (245 m). It is the tallest structure with exposed concrete and its triangular form comprises of two concrete walls and has one glazed section. Apart from giving it a unique look, the concrete walls also prevent the interior from getting warm by the sun. Torre Reforma has been specifically designed to withstand earthquakes and heavy winds. The interior of the building is organized into 14 sections and each section has its own private interior garden. The best part of the building is that the architects retained and integrated an already existing house on the site instead of demolishing it. This house was integrated into the main lobby.

Have a look at the remaining runner-up building for the best skyscraper of Emporis Skyscraper Award.