MahaNakhon, Bangkok
See the rest of the Unusual building of the week series here.
On 29 August 2016, MahaNakhon officially opened with a spectacular lightshow in Bangkok, Thailand. With 77 storeys reaching a height of 314.2 m (1,031 ft), the luxury mixed-use skyscraper is the tallest building in Thailand.
MahaNakhon houses multiple levels of restaurants, cafes and retail space, as well as a luxury hotel, 200 condominium units, a multi-level roof-top Terrace Bar and an observation deck.
The tower had to adhere to a setback line that angles inward as the elevation increases. This meant that the top of the tower had to be cut away on the east side. This planning requirement inspired the architect Buro Ole Scheeren to design the ‘pixelated’ façade, with 30% of the tower’s floor plates in cantilever.
The building has the appearance of a rough spiral with cuboidal surfaces cut into the side in a ‘ribbon’ that wraps around the exterior. Adding to the ‘pixelated’ aesthetic, the glazing is divided horizontally and vertically.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Industry survey highlights persistent skills gap
Building engineering business survey by ECA in partnership with BESA, SELECT and SNIPEF.
IHBC Conservation Professional Practice Principles
Spotlighted in HEF Historic Environment Overview.
CIAT collaborates with CIOB, CIfA, Icon to launch The Arc
Helping clients find specialist historic environment professionals.
Government building safety remediation data releases
Show some progress, but a 50% gap not yet started.
Testing For A Safer Future; an initial industry response
A response to the Independent Review of the Construction Product Testing Regime.
Requirements for UK buildings in certain circumstances.
CLC guidance for dutyholders and accountable persons.
Types of contractor in the construction industry
A long list, but are any missing ?
The Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill 2023
Unanimously approved to legislation on May 14, 2024.
Asset information requirements AIR
In detail, with links to further resources.
Where it's AT Building Safety podcasts from CIAT
Unravelling the Golden Thread and CIAT’s Principal Designer Register for non-HRBs and HRBs.
What happened to Hadrian's Wall?
Its former stones can be found in buildings near its route.
Strategic ventilation in modern building design
Download your free guide.
Four new types of prior approval for solar developments
Online Planning Portal application types from 5 September.