FX.co ★ Seven striking buildings visible from miles away

Sun Tower (China)

The Sun Tower is a 50-meter cultural landmark completed in 2023 on the coast of Yantai, northeastern China. Designed by OPEN Architecture, the tower features concrete panels and a striking conical form. It combines exhibition spaces, an open-air amphitheater, a library, a café, and an observation deck. Inspired by the design of lighthouses, the tower also functions as a giant sundial, interacting with the movement of the sun.

Kaktus Towers (Denmark)

Kaktus Towers are twin residential skyscrapers completed in 2024 in Copenhagen, designed by the architectural firm BIG. Reaching up to 80 meters, the towers are connected by an elevated public park. Their design features rotating floors that create a "spiked" appearance resembling a cactus, which gave the project its name. Each of the 495 apartments includes a private balcony and is organized around a central circulation core. Shared amenities include cafés, a fitness center, and terraces.

Auckland Tower (United Kingdom)

The Auckland Tower is a 29-meter timber observation tower completed in 2018 in Bishop Auckland, designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects. The tower serves as the entry point to Auckland Castle, housing a ticket office, an information center, and a 15-meter-high observation deck. Its design is inspired by medieval siege engines, emphasized by its open structure made of glued laminated European larch. The tower is both functional and symbolic, representing the newfound accessibility of the once-private castle grounds.

Dance of Light (China)

Dance of Light is a 180-meter office skyscraper completed in 2022 in Chongqing, designed by Aedas. The tower derives its name from a facade inspired by the forms of the aurora borealis. Its architectural highlight is the pair of double-curved glass surfaces that create a twisting effect, with a maximum rotation angle of 8.8 degrees per floor, making it one of the most twisted towers in the world. The facade features cold-bent glass, creating smooth transitions and emphasizing the dynamic play of light on the building throughout the day.

Karven Tower (Sweden)

Karven Tower is a 12-meter observation tower built in 2024 within the Getterön Nature Reserve, designed by White Arkitekter. It features a hyperboloid structure made of 140 wooden beams connected by metal rings, creating the effect of "twisted straws." Inside, a spiral staircase leads to an observation deck offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The project employed parametric modeling, allowing for the precise calculation and realization of the tower’s complex geometry.

One River North (US)

One River North is a 16-story residential complex completed in 2024 in Denver, designed by MAD Architects. The building stands out for its unique facade concept: a curved crevice cuts through the glass shell, resembling a natural rock fissure. This four-story void contains terraces with greenery, waterfalls, and relaxation areas, creating the sensation of walking through a mountain canyon. The rooftop features a pool, spa, and garden with panoramic views of the city and the Rocky Mountains.

Tri Hita Karana Tower (Indonesia)

Tri Hita Karana Tower is a 30-meter observation tower completed in 2024 on the coast of Nyanyi, designed by architect Arthur Mamou-Mani. The structure embodies the Balinese philosophy of harmony between humans, nature, and the spiritual world. The tower combines sturdy beams of ulin — a rare tropical hardwood — with flexible rattan, creating a lightweight spiral form. At night, the tower transforms into an interactive art space with AI-generated projections reflecting Balinese cultural values.