koichi takada architects' 'infinity' nears completion in sydney's green square

‘infinity’ by crown group, the so-called ‘landscape tower’ designed by koichi takada architects, is nearing completion after five years in the making. the practice won the project in 2014 through the city of sydney design excellence competition, during which the team has overcome a series of design and construction challenges to deliver a stand-out piece of architecture. as the scaffolding is slowly being removed, the structure is just beginning its unveiling, with an expected completion in early 2019.

the glass entrance to the new green square library juxtaposes the fluid and sculptural form
image by ashleigh hughes

‘infinity’ is located on the corner of bourke street and botany road, a gateway site to green square, a new town center in sydney. the 20-story building is designed with the idea of ‘cities within cities’, containing a total of 40,000 sqm of truly mixed-use functions, which include 325 apartments, 75 boutique hotel rooms, 30+ retail and F&B outlets, a 450-seat conference center, and a direct connection to the green square train station.

sharp and soft curves create contrasting urban languages
image by ashleigh hughes

koichi takada has designed the landscape tower using terracing and level changes to connect the building from multiple angles. this approach creates an experience of being within the landscape, just like sydney’s undulating topography. ‘the idea of the landscape tower democratizes tall buildings,’ explains the design team. ‘it is almost fighting against height, trying to push down as much as it can, to bring the experience down to a more human scale.’

the aerodynamic form draws air into the courtyard and facilitates natural ventilation through pressure differentials
image by martin siegner

the aerodynamic form draws air into the courtyard and facilitates natural ventilation through pressure differentials. the sculptural shape is carefully designed to give more sunlight back into the green square library and plaza (designed by stewart hollenstein in association with colin stewart architects). the main library space is hidden underground and mostly relies on skylights for natural light.

as the project nears completion and the scaffolding is being removed, the unique and aerodynamic landscape tower is beginning a slow reveal to the public
image by tom ferguson

‘a lot of people underestimate the shape of infinity,’ says koichi takada. ‘we’re not doing it because we think it looks cool, it was something that we developed for a reason. the shape adapted due to the environment, to respond to the sunlight, to create a relationship with the surrounding buildings, and really open the vista for the people who live around it. the loop brings more daylight into the public plaza and in turn makes it a more pleasant place to be. the shape is just a result of this conversation with the environment, the context, and the neighbors.’

the landscape tower uses terracing and level changes to connect the levels
image by martin siegner

infinity will be a gateway to the new green square town center
image by martin siegner

showing the future engagement between the green square library and the infinity forecourt
image by martin siegner

as the scaffolding is slowly being removed, the building’s unique loop shape, along with a void in its north-facing façade will shortly be revealed
image by tom ferguson

unique and fluid form standing out from the formulated and repetitive designs
image by ethan rohloff

the sculpted form was carefully designed to give more sunlight back into the green square library and plaza
image by MIR

image by MIR
read more about the project here

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edited by: maria erman | designboom