MAD architects: absolute towers nearing completion

'absolute towers' by MAD architects, mississauga, ontario, canada
image © jason zytynsky


local resident jason zytynsky has sent us the latest images of MAD architects' absolute towers in mississauga, canada.
as designboom previously reported, the sculpted and contoured structures are the result of an international competition,
hosted in 2006.



view from major intersection
image © jason zytynsky


the buildings, which were photographed in the toronto suburb earlier this week, are now showing visible signs of completion.
set to be revealed sometime later this year, the towering feminine forms will become both a gateway to the city and an iconic
international landmark.
 


the contoured forms are emphasized by light and shadow
image © jason zytynsky


continuous balconies wrap around the sinuous volumes, graciously marking each floor, and establishing a distinct exterior appearance.
free of typical vertical barriers the towers represent a new type of residential architecture in the otherwise conservative city.
the buildings consciously shift and rotate in response to the surrounding environment, establishing a dialogue between each other and
the encircling community. hovering above the skyline, the design seeks to provide every private dwelling with uninterrupted views
over the city, lake and preserved greenbelt patches. 



overall view
image © jason zytynsky



image © jason zytynsky



detail of twisting facade
image © jason zytynsky



image © jason zytynsky



looking up side of tower
image © jason zytynsky



image © jason zytynsky



absolute towers in the mississauga skyline
image © jason zytynsky


at festarch 2011, a four-day conference organized by abitare, ma yansong of MAD architects was among a number of
international speakers who delivered lectures and panel discussions revolving around this year's theme of 'city and anti city'.
ma yangsong spoke about the young firm's beginnings which involved submitting to a slough of architecture competitions
without much success. their 'absolute towers' proposal was their first competition win, and paved the way for successful projects
in their home country of china.

in this designboom video, ma yansong talks about the concept behind the 'absolute towers' and the idea of designing a high rise
for a north american city.