‘The Bow’ skyscraper has been named as the most spectacular building in the world, designbuildsource.com.au reports.

The Calgary skyscraper, design of which was by Foster+Partners, has been given the accolade by Emporis, the building and construction authority. A panel of experts were asked to rate a plethora of buildings against specific selection criteria in order to come up with a shortlist of 15. In particular, the structures had to display ‘innovative design, visual impact and function of significant corporate architecture.’

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An aerodynamic curved skyscraper overlooking the Bow river

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The Bow is a mixed-use building, housing employees of energy firms, Encana and Cenovus, while featuring three sky gardens, retail space and a ground-floor urban plaza which promotes staff communication.

Overlooking the Bow River, the building comprises 59 storeys are stands at 236 metres tall. Forming an aerodynamic curve which reduces the impact of heavy winds, the steel-framed building absorbs maximum sunlight and is said to be 30 per cent lighter than other buildings of its size.

Clever design means that over 70% of staff can enjoy a window view

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This isn’t the first title that has been awarded to The Bow, it also came out top in Azure Magazine’s ‘Top Projects of 2012’.

Commenting on the award, Susan Thompson from Calgary Real Estate told calgaryherald.com:

“It really speaks to Calgary’s maturity and significant in the office and even the architectural world now – across the globe.”

“We’re starting to see more architectural features on a lot of buildings. The taller, the bigger, the more eye-catching the better.”

Author: Elizabeth Smythe    Date Written: 24 May 2013