Twisting Tower: A Landmark of Biophilic Skyscraper Architecture

Reimagining Urban Living through Vertical Green Design

The Twisting Tower by Eugenio Evaso and Matteo D’Ambrosio, winner entry of Greenward, explores the potential of biophilic skyscraper architecture to transform the dense urban fabric of Manhattan into a greener, more breathable environment. Designed as a vertical garden and community hub, the tower exemplifies how architecture can harmonize sustainability, aesthetics, and human well-being within a megacity.

The project responds to one of the most pressing urban challenges of our time — the scarcity of accessible green spaces in metropolitan areas. Rising gracefully above the city, the tower’s sculptural form is both innovative and environmentally responsible, designed to enhance biodiversity, reduce emissions, and foster community interaction.

A Vertical Garden in the Sky

Standing at 160 meters with 20 main floors, the Twisting Tower is a beacon of green innovation. Each level rotates by approximately six degrees, creating its iconic twisted form while optimizing light, ventilation, and views. This dynamic geometry allows sunlight to reach every garden terrace and enhances natural airflow, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.

The building features:

• Extensive vegetation and vertical gardens that contribute to CO₂ absorption and urban air purification.
• Rainwater harvesting and recycling systems integrated within the core to sustain the greenery.
• Solar panels strategically placed to minimize environmental impact and support renewable energy use.
• Biodiverse terraces where plants, trees, and even small animals can thrive — creating a living ecosystem above the city.

This architectural integration of flora and structure reflects the essence of biophilic design — connecting humans with nature in environments where such connections are often lost.

Human-Centered Design and Community Spaces

Beyond its environmental goals, the Twisting Tower redefines vertical living as a socially interactive experience. Each garden level functions as a public terrace, offering areas for leisure, walking, and community gathering. The tower’s restaurant and refreshment area located on the lower glass-enclosed floors make it a vibrant social hub, inviting both residents and visitors.

At its peak, a panoramic terrace offers breathtaking views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, symbolizing the union of architecture, nature, and urban vibrancy. This space transforms the act of ascending a building into a journey through landscapes — from shaded gardens to open-air observation decks.

Sustainability Engineered into Every Layer

The Twisting Tower is not just a visual landmark — it’s an environmental machine. Its rainwater collection system channels precipitation through the central core and filters it for reuse, supporting both irrigation and maintenance. The permeable design of each floor, devoid of traditional perimeter walls, allows light to permeate naturally, reducing artificial lighting requirements and promoting plant health.

Furthermore, the structure’s solar energy integration and use of recycled materials make it a prototype for the next generation of carbon-neutral skyscrapers. It embodies an architectural philosophy that emphasizes regeneration rather than consumption — a key principle in sustainable city planning.

Twisting Towards the Future

The Twisting Tower stands as a symbol of architectural evolution — where form, function, and ecology converge. It envisions a future where biophilic skyscraper architecture reshapes how we coexist with our environment. By embedding life into its very structure, it challenges the convention of steel-and-glass towers, offering a blueprint for vertical cities of tomorrow — greener, cleaner, and deeply human.

Project Credits

Project: Twisting Tower Architects: Eugenio Evaso, Matteo D’Ambrosio

Competition: Winner entry of Greenward Category: Sustainable & Biophilic Skyscraper Architecture