How to create a landmark for the city skyline and, at the same time, evolve the very idea of the “tower“? This is the challenge posed by the architects of the Sou Fujimoto studio, the minds behind the Ethereal Tower conceptual proposal.

The project advances a sculptural and dynamic work of architecture in Shenzhen’s Qianhai Bay, on the southern coast of China.

The 268m-high tower elevating from the surface of the water will consist of 99 towers arranged around a central pylon – a series of individual parts yet essential to form the overall structure – becoming “one and many” at the same time. Seen from above, the tower will almost look like a group of islands floating in mid-air and adorned by a series of incessant cascades of water. On the top, the structure will host a glass viewing platform which will be used as an exhibition space.

The conceptual project aims to represent “the future of society in an age of diversity.” Accordin to Sou Fujimoto's vision, in fact, the group of floating islands would refer to the image of ethereal cities from a future world.