Autonomous Combination Asymptote Architecture wins the Millennium Tower Work Business Center project in Busan, Korea. The 560m tower recreates the power of singularity in conjunction with the strength of fusion, resulting in a tower whose form graces the sky. The Solomon Group, a Korean developer, will continue with the project and if completed will be the tallest building in Asia. Link

Istanbul Tower Tabanlioglu Architects have designed a 261m tall tower in the business district of Istanbul. The two separate glass facade pieces curve at the base of the building to become the roof of the ground level restaurants, stores, and cinema. Traffic congestion and parking problems were solved with a metro link and six level of below-grade parking. Every ninth floor is planned as a recreational oasis and will house a planned pool and mini-golf course. Link

The Calgary Bow A new 59-storey high-rise is planned for the city of Calgary in Canada. The 1.7 million square foot tower raises the bar of sustainability with energy efficient design features. The structure's form is more aerodynamic than your typical office tower and therefore, less structural material is required. The building is oriented to maximize the use of natural light and employs natural ventilation. The project is expected to reduce energy needs by 30% (compared to a typical tower). Foster + Partners is the signature architect working with Zeidler Partnership of Calgary as the project architect. Sturgess Architecture has been retained. Link

Trumped Orleans Donald Trump is set to get approval for another Trump Tower in New Orleans. Although the project was not planned for the rejuvenation of the hurricane destroyed city (it was announced 4 days prior to Hurricane Katrina), if built it would be a step forwards for the city which is still recovering from the disaster. The tower looks very similar to the high-rise now under construction in Chicago and will rise 218m to its roof (258 to top of spire). The $400 mullion (US) project is mainly residential with 67 floors and 734 residential units. Balconies were left out of the structure to increase floors space and provide a slick exterior. Construction is to begin in the summer months with completion in 2009. Link

Kuwait Waits The Al Sharq office complex, a 180m tower in Kuwait, makes the short list for the 2007 MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Award (office category). This 56,400 square meter project is a mixed-use with an environmentally responsible design. It features solar panel cladding, a sky garden, and a pool at the top with a higher suspended section for panoramic city views. Link

News Bites

City council approved $2 billion downtown redevelopment scheduled for completion in 2011. Link

Planned towers inspired by the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings. Link

State is looking for new investors and budget changes to pay for development at site of Ground Zero. Link

Foster design of HSBC headquarters could become Britain's most expensive building. Link

British Land in dealings to acquire 54% of the SOM designed 201 Bishopgate building. Link

New residential tower proposed as affordable housing in Blackwall. Link

Foundation work has begun on the Roaring Forties at Brighton Marina. Link

The Arena Square Tower is finally revealed as a focal point of the Arena Central Scheme. Link

Two more towers planned for the Ailsa Waterside development. Link

140m high-rise proposed after government relaxes building high-rise restrictions. Link

Empire Island Tower meets challenge of iconic neighbors. Link

Snohetta appointed to create gateway structure for the new capital city. Link

Gazprom City Tower spark debate over more than just the aesthetics. Link

Sky village design appears to be PR stunt by Populararchitecture. Link

News from CTBUH Country Leaders

CTBUH Country leader for Saudi Arabia, Ibrahim Al Saudi of Omrania & Associates, reports the ADA Arriyadh Development Authorities proposed new relaxed building height regulations in the city of Riyadh. The removal of the height restriction by Governor Prince Salman will have a major impact on the city of Riyadh. Link