"Green" building to rise over Baku

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

Baku, where modernity is magically combining with antiquity will soon present another impressive modern project.

The designer of the project entitled Baku Landmark is Adrian Smith, an American architect of international renown, having designed many landmark buildings including the world’s tallest structure Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

The unique “green” building, corresponding to environmental standards of LEED Platinum will give a fresh look to the city. Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design is a rating system for so-called "green" buildings and the building in Baku will have the highest certification -- Platinum.

Although, Smith’s Baku project will not beat the record for the height, being only 50 meters high, but it claims to be one of the most ergonomic and environmentally friendly buildings of the architect.

The complex is planned to be built near the Heydar Aliyev Center, a pearl of modern Baku.

Along with offices, the building will accommodate flats, shops, cafes and gardens, with penthouses on the top floor. It seems to become a new landmark of Baku, as people will immediately identify its unique shape.

The outer steel wall, as c Adrian Smith says, will serve as a “protective shell” of accommodations at any time of the year, absorbing the sun's heat in winter and creating a shadow that will protect from the heat in summer.

Baku Landmark’s inside, with an atrium in the center, will have a unique look and differ from other buildings in the capital.

The atrium will be fully landscaped, and serve as a communication platform for people working or living in the building.

The last floor of the 12-storey building will be occupied by penthouses -- glass "boxes", which can boast of unmatched views both to the down into the atrium and 360-degree views of Baku.