The architects design for the new building is intended to encourage people from various disciplines to work together creating a highly unusual shape. The two leaning towers, 234m and 194m tall, linked together by a 15 storey cantilevered “overhang” and a 10 storey podium posed significant structural challenges, compounded by the location in a highly seismic area. The response was to brace the facade on all sides to form a continuous tube that is ideally suited to deal with the nature and intensity of the loading.
This is an excellent example of the structural engineer providing a solution to a very difficult problem with a basic concept that is clear and robust. In addition, their skills in innovation, collaboration and attention to detail are apparent in the development of the final design.