'breeze of innovation' tower will mark a silicon valley icon in san josé

as silicon valley undergoes a transformative expansion, australian studio SMAR architects proposes its ‘breeze of innovation’ tower which poetically celebrates san josé‘s future-minded spirit. the project stands as the winning entry of the ‘urban confluence’ competition, which occupies the threshold of the soon-to-be developed neighborhood. in designing this work of art and architecture, the team poetically integrates innovative wind power technologies that will help to drive the cities of the future. the dynamic new icon will take shape as an artistic white brush stroke, formed by hundreds of rods that generate power for the building as they sway with the wind.

image by SMAR architecture, courtesy of san jose light tower corporation (SJLTC)

designed to gently sway in the wind, SMAR architecture studio‘s ‘breeze of innovation’ in san josé will use the natural movement of 500 dynamic rods. the strategy will generate enough power to light the structure, giving it a presence that is ethereal during the day and luminous at night. the work will comprise a conical void within a 200-foot tower, creating a unique vertical space, multiple levels of walkways, and a dramatic viewing platform from which visitors will enjoy a 360-degree vista. the design will also incorporate an exhibition space and room for a café, among other features that aim to inspire interaction and activation of the site and surroundings.

image by SMAR architecture

SMAR architecture studio’s ‘breeze of innovation’ monument marks one of 963 entries for san jose light tower corporation‘s ‘urban confluence’ competition. this impressive number of submissions came from 72 countries on six continents. the luminous and ethereal winning design will be located at arena green at guadalupe park and gardens in san josé and is slated for approval by the san josé city council in may 2021. designer fernando jerez comments: ‘silicon valley is not about replicating the past; it’s about shaping the future. our goal from the beginning was to capture the ever-changing magic of silicon valley while also creating a deep connection with the san josé community. this is why we came up with the idea of designing a dynamic landmark, one that is alive, moving with the wind and light, a magical space that includes a tribute to the san josé electric light tower of 1881. we want visitors to enjoy a unique experience on their ascent, connecting with the memory of the valley while dreaming about its future possibilities.’

image by quatrecaps