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Luis Miguel Goitizolo

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Tower Infinity: the case of the 'invisible' skyscraper
9/12/2013 3:33:09 PM

A new tower going up in South Korea will appear to disappear as it ascends into the sky


Tower Infinity: world’s first invisible skyscraper?

By | Compass20 hours ago

(Photo: Yunseok Oh-Park / courtesy of GDS Architects)

Now you see it, now you don't.

The Tower Infinity skyscraper going up outside Seoul, South Korea, will be invisible. Sort of.

The design wizards at GDS Architects didn't create a giant invisibility cloak. Instead, the glass-spired skyscraper, which recently received a construction permit, will incorporate an optical technology to make it appear as if it's not really there.

The idea, which nabbed the winning bid in 2008 for a landmark building near the IncheonInternational Airport, was conceived as an "antitower."

(Photo: courtesy of GDS Architects) The 1,476-foot high-concept high-rise could have gone thetypical showoffy route. But rather than building another "vanity tower," architects designed the crystalline structure to pull a disappearing act as it rises into the sky.

The firm explains, "Instead of symbolizing prominence as another of the world's 'tallest and best' towers, it sets itself apart by celebrating the global community rather than focusing on itself. The tower subtly demonstrates Korea's rising position in the world by establishing its most powerful presence through diminishing its presence."

So how do you hide a high-rise? The building will be covered in a skin of LED mesh bars along with 18 weatherproofed cameras, which will capture surrounding views and project them back onto the building. Depending on where you're standing in the city, GDS director Michael Collins told Yahoo Travel, "you see through it. Or the building could be partially visible."

Not to worry, this phenomenon happens only at ground level. Airplane pilots will see it as a normal building, complete with flashing warning lights.

The building was conceived to be "their Eiffel Tower," as Collins put it. But there's more. In addition to taking in the view from multiple observation decks, it's an entertainment venue — destination weddings, anyone? It will also boast the third-highest observation deck in the world.

Plus, there will be a 4D theater, restaurants, a water park and landscaped gardens. Even the elevator will be in on the fun: LED-covered walls will display global points of interest — say the Giza pyramids or, yes, even the Eiffel Tower.

Collins said of Tower Infinity, "We want it to function and serve the community and inspire people to experience life beyond what they're accustomed to."

Click below for sneak-peek images of the "invisible" tower.



"Choose a job you love and you will not have to work a day in your life" (Confucius)

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Luis Miguel Goitizolo

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RE: Tower Infinity: the case of the 'invisible' skyscraper
9/12/2013 3:34:32 PM

Now you see it... now you don’t!

Tower Infinity: 'Invisible' Anti-Skyscraper Gets the Green Light in South Korea


by , 09/09/13













GDS Architects was just granted the green light to begin construction on a sparkling new super-tall skyscraper in Seoul, South Korea. Tower Infinity will reach a height of 450 meters, placing it among the top 10 tallest buildings in the world. Designed for a location near the Incheon International Airport, Tower Infinity will also have the distinction of being 'invisible'. Using optical illusions and lighting, the tower will appear to disappear into the sky, making it a less obtrusive anti-tower.

Tower Infinity will be located at the heart of the Yongsan International Business District, whose master plan was originally designed by Samoo. The superscraper will be a landmark project for the area, and it will serve as an iconic landmark for visitors coming from the international airport. GDS Architects won the competition to design the tower back in 2004 and just this summer they weregranted permission to begin construction.

The observation tower will largely be used for entertainment purposes – it will feature observation decks, wedding venues, a theater, a roller coaster, lots of restaurants, a water park, and a variety of landscaped gardens in the surrounding area. The crystalline tower is not just a vanity skyscraper though – as GDS has proposed a sort of anti-tower that blends into the sky and seems to disappear with the help of optical illusions, and lighting. The firm explains, “Instead of symbolizing prominence as another of the world’s ‘tallest and best’ towers, it sets itself apart by celebrating the global community rather than focusing on itself. The tower subtly demonstrates Korea’s rising position in the world by establishing its most powerful presence through diminishing its presence.”


Read more: Tower Infinity: 'Invisible' Anti-Skyscraper Gets the Green Light in South Korea | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building


The case of the 'invisible' skyscraper

A new tower going up in South Korea will appear to disappear as it ascends into the sky.
How it's being built


"Choose a job you love and you will not have to work a day in your life" (Confucius)

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Luis Miguel Goitizolo

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RE: Tower Infinity: the case of the 'invisible' skyscraper
9/12/2013 3:48:28 PM


See the world's first "invisible" skyscraper

The Tower Infinity skyscraper going up outside of Seoul, South Korea, will be invisible — sort of. The glass-spired skyscraper, which recently received a construction permit, will incorporate optical technology to make it appear as if it's not really there during the day. Here's a preview of the award-winning design.


The Tower Infinity skyscraper, to be built outside Seoul, South Korea,
will be “invisible” at eye level during the day but will glow at night.

The mixed-use building will be built near South Korea’s Incheon International Airport.

1,476-foot high-concept high-rise will be visible from above, but it will
seem to disappear to those walking near it at ground level.

This graphic shows how the building’s design will use cameras, computers and LED lights
to make the building’s façade seem invisible.

The complex will include a 4-D theater, restaurants, a water park and landscaped gardens.

GDS Architects’ design envisions water features large enough to support boating and other activities.

The Tower Infinity’s observation deck will be the third highest in the world.

The crystalline skyscraper will be designed to look different depending on how far away the viewer stands.

This illustration shows how the Tower Infinity will compare to the world’s tallest towers.

(All photos GDS Architects)


"Choose a job you love and you will not have to work a day in your life" (Confucius)

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Roger Macdivitt .

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RE: Tower Infinity: the case of the 'invisible' skyscraper
9/12/2013 7:55:33 PM

Very beautiful and unusual.

I think that the project looks amazing.

Not all high-rise buildings are what is expected.

Check out the below building, click on photo.

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Luis Miguel Goitizolo

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RE: Tower Infinity: the case of the 'invisible' skyscraper
9/12/2013 9:03:31 PM
Thank you for showing up, Roger.

A couple of days ago I came across an article, not sure which, on that building and was about to post it, but did not find where because of the negative implication. In fact, I like it. I understand it is called the 'Wakie Talkie' building, but had not heard it was renamed 'Walkie Scorchy'. Most funny actually.

Thanks anyway,

Miguel















"Choose a job you love and you will not have to work a day in your life" (Confucius)

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