Inspired by vegetative growth and the bamboo scaffolding of Asia, Thomas Corbasson and VS-A have proposed a conceptual project for an organic skyscraper for London that will incorporate waste produced by its occupants. The building will rise vertically as more and more of the glass and paper needed for construction is discarded by building residents. It is estimated that enough recycled material for the building’s façade could be produced within a year. The project earned a special mention in a recent Skyscapers and SuperSkyscapers Competition.
Like all skyscrapers, this project will require scaffolding, but in this case the scaffolding will become part of the aesthetic. Prefabricated tube framing will be attached to the exterior, and will rise with the building, allowing for components to be added to the building over time. This framework will also support generators supplying power to parts of the building. The tubing of the scaffolding will be hollow to minimize wind load and will be of a single size so that workers need not spend time cutting the scaffolding to size.
The building will be outfitted with recycling plants on its top floor in order to produce useable material as close to the construction area as possible. Collection and sorting areas for the recycled material will be on the bottom floor and will, presumably, be connected to the recycling plants via elevator. The landings for the tower’s elevators will create common spaces, such as restaurants, gyms, and conference rooms, for building residents.
