The Edinburgh architecture firm responsible for the Falkirk Wheel has unveiled stunning plans to build the world’s second-largest building in Russia.
The 703-metre tall Latkha Centre II in St Petersburg - designed by the Capital’s Kettle Collective - will dwarf The Shard in London at nearly double its size but will remain behind the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
The tower will be located on the outskirts of St Petersburg and will stand alongside the original Latkha Centre, Europe's current highest building and home to energy giant Gazprom.
Lead architect Tony Kettle said the tower would boast the highest occupied floor and viewing gallery of any building in the world as well as accommodation over 150 different floors.
He added: “The tower is born out of a daring idea that has been inspired by energy in all of its forms, from helical waves generated around deep space quasars to the spirals of wave energy.
"The outer layer of the building is created from spiralling columns that form an open organic helical diagrid, while the structure is carved out by a series of spiral atriums shared with green vertical spaces.
"The design is both aesthetic and functional as it will reduce considerable wind forces that will impact the structure, in turn reducing the size of structural elements required within the building."
The firm produced the design for the iconic Falkirk Wheel when it opened in 2002 and has also produced the initial masterplan for the New River Clyde Crossing in Glasgow.
At 462m tall, the original Latkha Centre became the tallest building in Europe when it was completed in 2019, however both remain some way off the 828-metre tall Burj Khalifa.
Managing director Colin Bone adde: "Given its prominence and celebration of energy and sustainability, this project will be more than a city landmark, it will have national significance showcasing Russia on the world stage, as an investor in business, innovation and creative thinking.
"This is a hugely significant partnership for our studio and has come at a time of considerable global challenge, not just for Kettle Collective but for our industry as we navigate the impact of the pandemic.
"It highlights our extensive experience in the design of new buildings and communities across the world that are not only truly sustainable, but that celebrate the place.”
