Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has unveiled designs for a striking new skyscraper in Tbilisi, Georgia. The building features a sculpted, twisting form that enhances its visual appeal and also serves a functional purpose by creating outdoor terrace spaces for occupants. The Cityzen Tower is set to be constructed on the site of a former Soviet military headquarters and will be a key component of a larger neighborhood development project. While its exact height hasn’t been disclosed, the tower will feature 42 floors, categorizing it as a mid-sized structure rather than a towering supertall.
Designer: Zaha Hadid Architects
The interior of the Cityzen Tower will span 57,000 square meters (approximately 613,000 square feet) and will feature office spaces on the lower levels, with residential areas occupying the upper floors. The terraces on the lower levels will be adorned with greenery, offering external social spaces for office employees. As the tower rises, these terraces transition into balconies for the residential apartments, providing scenic views of a nearby park and the city skyline. The design of the terraces is thoughtfully influenced by the Sun’s position and wind considerations.
“Informed by the rolling hills intersected with river valleys that wind through the undulating cityscape of Tbilisi, Cityzen Tower’s design by Zaha Hadid Architects echoes its context at the intersection of the city’s urbanism and its natural environments,” said the firm. “Detailed local wind and solar analysis has also informed elements of the 42-story tower’s design to ensure optimal comfort for residents and visitors to Cityzen’s public plazas, outdoor terraces and recreational areas.”
Although constructing a large tower made of concrete, steel, and glass typically lacks sustainability, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) plans to minimize the environmental impact of the Cityzen Tower by employing several eco-friendly strategies. To reduce the building’s carbon footprint, ZHA will prioritize sourcing materials from local suppliers and incorporate recycled materials wherever feasible. The building will also feature a rainwater collection system, which will gather rainwater and repurpose it through an on-site reservoir, thereby conserving water resources.
The greenery integrated into the building’s design will consist entirely of local plant species, which are naturally suited to the environment and, therefore, will not require additional irrigation systems. This approach enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal and also supports local biodiversity. The Cityzen Tower is scheduled for completion in 2028, marking a significant addition to ZHA’s portfolio during an especially active period for the firm. Other incredible projects currently underway include the ambitious Napoli Porta Est Masterplan and the Shenzhen Institute of Financial Technology, both of which exemplify ZHA’s commitment to innovative and sustainable architectural solutions.
