Sou Fujimoto designs a floating island over the sea in Shenzhen, China

The futuristic aspect is impressive: this tower appears to float about 250 meters above the water, creating a scene worthy of a science fiction film. And, according to Sou Fujimoto Architects , the office responsible for the project, it is an approach that is part of the company study on the appearance of a tower. “Being one and many at the same time symbolizes the future of societies in the age of diversity,” say the professionals in the project description. The explanation also alludes to the design of the tower, which can be seen as a series of interconnected floating islands (99 in total). According to the office, the floating islands would remain in the air thanks to a large central core that supports the tower, while tension cables transfer the rest of the load. The structural elements contribute to the beautiful effect of water falling from the tower into the bay – the ethereal islands create a kind of water cloud , reminiscent of fictional representations of aerial cities of the future. Seen from the outside, the layout is like a horizontal plane that dissipates as the clustered towers descend.

The project is part of a competition for a new monument in Qianhai Bay, Shenzhen, China, which aims to celebrate the region's recent development. The building also includes exhibition space, a restaurant, a café and an observation deck. Via My Modern Met[newsletter]