New Atlas

Architecture

SOM given the nod to build Scandinavia's tallest tower

Adam Williams June 18, 2014

Skidmore Owings and Merril (SOM) has been given the nod to produce what will be Scandinavia's tallest building. The Polstjärnan (or Pole Star) skyscraper is due for completion in 2019.

The Polstjärnan (or Pole Star) skyscraper, by SOM (Image: Serneke)

Architecture

Research suggests a wooden future for skyscrapers

Adam Williams July 2, 2013

Recent reports suggest that wooden skyscrapers could become a feature of our city skylines in the near future.

Could Berg C.F. Møller's vision prove a blueprint for getting the wooden skyscraper right? (Image: Berg ...

Architecture

Radical design proposals floated for new Penn Station

David Szondy June 4, 2013

The Municipal Art Society of New York has announced four possible replacement designs for Penn Station and Madison Square Garden.

Interior view of Penn Station by DS+R Design (Image: DS+R Design)

Architecture

Ribbon cut on SOM's Zhengzhou Greenland Plaza

James Holloway January 24, 2013

The 60-story Zhengzhou Greenland Plaza, the tallest building in Zhengzhou, the capital city of central China's Henan province, opened its doors earlier this month.

Zhengzhou Greenland Plaza at dusk (Photo: SOM)

Architecture

SOM's net zero New York school aims for "ultimate sustainability"

James Holloway November 8, 2012

Work has commenced on SOM's 444-student "net zero" primary school on New York's Staten Island.

SOM's approach to net zero design begins with the fundamentals: the building's shape (Image © SOM)

Architecture

Flying saucers, glass roadways, subterranean caverns: three visions of the Grand Central Station of 2112

James Holloway October 25, 2012

Three leading architects gathered last week at the third annual summit of The Municipal Art Society to present their visions for the dramatic redevelopment of New York's Grand Central Terminal, but only one included an enormous flying saucer.

The "UFO" viewing platform of SOM's Grand Central Terminal of tomorrow (Image: © 2012 SOM/Crystal)

Architecture

SOM wins master plan competition for Beijing Bohai Innovation City

James Holloway February 22, 2012

Architectural practice SOM's 17.6-sq km (6.8-sq mile) master plan for Beijing Bohai Innovation City has won an international design competition, which, if fully realized, may set a new standard for environmentally-conscious urban planning.

Environment

One of the world's greenest skyscrapers approaches completion

Darren Quick April 1, 2010

The 71-story Pearl River Tower, described as one of the most energy-efficient skyscrapers in the world, has reached its topping out milestone on the way to its planned completion later this year.

Upon completion the Pearl River Tower will be one of the greenest skyscrapers in the world

Bicycles

Proposed Beijing district to reduce carbon emissions and energy use

Paul Ridden February 19, 2010

Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP has unveiled ambitious plans to transform a business district in Beijing into an energy efficient, low carbon model for sustainable growth

Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP intend to install a geothermal heat exchange system in a Central ...

Holiday Destinations

Sears Tower adds glass 'walk out' 1350 feet high

New Atlas Team July 14, 2009

Standing at 1,450 feet and 110 stories, Sears Tower is the third tallest building in the world and recently added “The Ledge”, a series of glass bays on the 103rd floor that offer visitors unobstructed views of Chicago