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Floaty, Brushstroke-Like Tower For Silicon Valley Sways And Lights Up At Night
By Alexa Heah, 08 Apr 2021
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Image via Urban Confluence
Resembling an artistic white brush stroke in the sky, the Breeze of Innovation is a new tower proposed for Silicon Valley. It’s certainly eye-catching – consisting 500 dynamic “rods” that will light up as they sway with the wind.
According to Urban Confluence Silicon Valley, the tower could reach heights of 200 feet in the Arena Green at Guadalupe Park and Gardens in San José, California.
Designed by Fernando Jerez and Belén Pérez de Juan of SMAR Architecture Studio, the tower recently came out top of 963 submissions from 72 countries. It’s something that hasn’t been seen before.
As part of their design, the hundreds of rods represent the hundreds of companies and individuals working in Silicon Valley. The rods may also have kinetic motion sensors, which will help generate power for the building.
The brief was backed by not-for-profit San José Light Tower Corporation, which aims to create an iconic structure inspired by the San José electrical light tower, a pioneering experiment built in 1881.
According to New Atlas, the tower will include a viewing platform offering 360-degree views of the surrounding area. It’ll also incorporate an exhibition space and café within its premises. “We want visitors to enjoy a unique experience on their ascent, connecting with the memory of the Valley while dreaming about its future possibilities,” said Jerez.
Fundraising efforts for the project are ongoing, with over US$2.5 million raised to date. Design plans will be submitted to the San José City Council for planning permission come May.
[via New Atlas and Architecture AU, cover image via Urban Confluence]
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