Foster + Partners, The Bow, Calgary, Canada

The skyscraper in Calgary designed by Foster + Partners in 2005 opened only recently, but has already won a number of prizes and is in the running for Best Tall Building Worldwide 2013.

The Bow is the city?s tallest tower; the architects wanted to create a bold landmark on the Calgary skyline that would also have a strong urban and social significance. The building?s bow shape becomes a big plaza at the base of the building with a strong impact on the landscape, containing a sculpture by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. The shops, restaurants and cafés on the ground floor of the skyscraper open onto the plaza.

Architect Nigel Dancey, a Senior Partner in Foster + Partners, clarified that the bow shape is inspired by the climate of Calgary: it faces south to follow the sun?s path and maximise the surface of the building exposed to natural light and to the warmth of the sun.

(Agnese Bifulco)

Design: Foster + Partners
Location: Calgary, Canada
Images courtesy of Foster + Partners, ph.Nigel Young © Foster + Partners

www.fosterandpartners.com

---

GALLERY