SOM has revealed its design for a new office complex on the waterfront in Buenos Aires, which will comprise two towers joined by bridges topped with green terraces.
One of the glazed towers that make up SOM's Catalinas Rio project rises 29 floors, while the other features 22 storeys.
Two bridges extend between them and slot into each tower like a jigsaw puzzle, leaving a large hole that frames views to the waterfront behind. SOM describes the feature as an "urban window".

Each bridge comprises two volumes with a trapezoidal floor plan so that they appear to criss-cross each other's paths.
Employees can traverse the bridges either inside or via a landscaped deck featuring seating and plantings on top. Terraces are also embedded on the outer edges of the towers to offer views of the waterfront and cityscape. The arrangement of bridges and terraces, which offer of 10,000 square meters of outdoor space, is intended for office employees to be able to enjoy outdoor space regardless of the weather. Open roof decks are better suited to sunny days, while terraces will be more sheltered from heat and rain.

"The result is an unorthodox solution that aims to set a precedent in Buenos Aires office design, with a primary focus on wellness, open space, and creating a new urban identity," said SOM design partner Gary Haney.
SOM designed the Catalinas Rio office building for Miami developer Consultatio Real Estate, as part of a masterplan to extend the Argentinian city...